With all of the processed foods, additives and preservatives and environmental pollution we face each day, your body might appreciate a boost every once in a while to keep things running smoothly.
One of the main ways that the body rids itself of toxins is
through the liver. The liver regulates most of the chemical levels in the
blood and excretes a product called bile to help break down fats, preparing
them for digestion and absorption. All of the blood that leaves the stomach and
the intestines passes through the liver, where the blood is processed, broken
down, balanced and made into nutrients for the body to use. The liver is
constantly working to detoxify the blood and produce bile to store essential
vitamins, minerals and iron. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, the
digestion process — especially the digestion of fats —is greatly affected.
There are tons of liver detox plans, and the majority of
them are fantastic. But to keep your liver running smoothly all the time, just
incorporate these six important foods into your diet to maintain a happy and
healthy liver!
1. Garlic
Whether you love it or hate it, garlic is filled with a variety
of powerful benefits for the liver. Selenium is a mineral in garlic that
increases the action of antioxidants to assist the liver in the detoxification
process. Arginine is an amino acid in garlic that plays an important role in
relaxing the blood vessels, which helps to ease the blood pressure in the
liver. Garlic also contains Vitamin B6, which acts as an anti-inflammatory in
the liver, and Vitamin C, which is the body’s primary antioxidant defender
against cellular oxidation that leads to cell damage.
2. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is high in Vitamin C as well as glutathione,
which is produced naturally by the liver. Glutathione is involved in several
processes in the body, including tissue building and repair, production of
chemicals and proteins that are needed in the body, and strengthening of the
immune system. Grapefruit contains over 70mg of glutathione, which assists the
liver in the production of detox enzymes.
3. Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables have been shown to protect the liver
by neutralizing metals, chemicals and pesticides from both foods and the
environment. Arugula, spinach and chicory are believed to increase bile flow to
help rid the body of waste products. Beets naturally cleanse and purify the
blood to boost liver function and the production of nutrients in the body.
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies help the
liver produce enzymes to aid in the removal of toxins.
4. Avocados
As if you needed another reason to eat avocados, they’re a
superfood for the liver. They contain glutathione as well as Vitamin C and E
which act as antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and protect liver cells
from damage. The Vitamin E and Vitamin K in avocados act as an
anti-inflammatory to protect the liver from harmful inflammation. The healthy
fats in avocados can also improve cholesterol levels.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts contain the amino acid arginine, which is imperative
in helping the liver detoxify ammonia. They’re also high in glutathione and
Omega-3 fatty acids, which help support liver detoxification. Walnuts are full
of antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals and healthy, unsaturated
fats that protect against fat accumulation in the liver. These healthy fats are
also essential to building strong cell membranes around liver cells.
6. Turmeric
The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is
a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Curcumin is believed to help
protect the bile duct to improve the flow of bile, acting as a liver cleanser.
It rejuvenates liver cells by preventing toxins and alcohol from being
converted into harmful compounds that can damage the liver. Sprinkling some
turmeric on your food is a great way to add a little flavour and reap the health
benefits.
Master Herbalist, Ron Teeguarden, talks about how to have a
strong liver in this short video!
source : Real Pharmacy.