The liver is an organ that plays a fundamental role in health.
Its main functions include: eliminating toxins and producing proteins to store vitamins.
If the liver isn’t healthy enough, it can become imbalanced and linked to many types of illness, including liver cancer.
Below you will find 11 foods good for your liver.
Foods good for your liver
Foods that are good for your liver can have a positive effect on your health and well-being.
1. Coffee
First, a study showed that coffee consumption could prevent cirrhosis and permanent brain damage in people with chronic liver disease.
On the other hand, a study found that coffee helps reduce liver inflammation and prevents the appearance of a specific type of liver cancer.
Consuming 4 cups a day can help people with the chronic liver disease live longer.
In addition to providing many benefits to the body’s overall health, studies have shown that coffee offers many benefits for liver health.
2. Tea
In principle, a study showed that consuming 10 cups of green tea per day helps improve blood levels of liver health.
A study on patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) indicated that the consumption of green tea for 12 weeks improves liver enzyme levels, reduces oxidative stress, and eliminates fatty deposits in the liver.
In addition, another study showed that people who consume 4 cups of green tea per day have a lower risk of liver cancer.
Even a study conducted on rodents also showed the incredible benefits of green tea for liver health.
3. Grapefruit
Grapefruits provide us with antioxidants that help prevent liver damage, as they reduce inflammation, protect cells and reduce the risk of liver fibrosis.
A study in rats showed that the antioxidants present in grapefruits reduce fat in the liver and increase the enzymes necessary to burn fat.
In addition, it has been shown in rats that this antioxidant (naringin) helps metabolize alcohol and counteracts the adverse effects of alcohol consumption.
4. Blueberries and cranberries
Consuming cranberries and blackberries for 21 days is beneficial for the liver. In addition, blueberries increase antioxidants and the cellular response of the immune system.
A study carried out in rodents showed that the antioxidants present in blueberries delay the development of lesions and fibrosis in the liver.
Not only that, but a study conducted in test tubes showed that the consumption of blueberry extract helps to inhibit the development of cancer cells in the liver. However, human studies are still needed to confirm this effect.
5. Grapes
Various studies have shown that grapes are beneficial in preventing damage, reducing inflammation, and increasing antioxidant levels.
Another study conducted on patients with NAFLD found that the consumption of grape seed extract for three months improves liver functions.
6. Prickly pear
The prickly pear is a type of edible cactus that has been commonly used in natural medicine.
A study conducted on 55 people showed that prickly pear extract helps reduce hangover symptoms such as nausea, poor appetite, and dry mouth. It has even been shown to increase the effect on hangover symptoms if consumed before drinking alcohol.
A study on rats found that prickly pear juice reduced oxidative damage and liver injury caused by alcohol consumption. It also serves to keep inflammation stable.
7. Beetroot juice
Beetroot juice contains antioxidants and nitrates known as betalains. They are effective in reducing oxidative damage and inflammation.
Several studies in rodents have shown that beetroot juice reduces inflammation and oxidative damage to the liver while increasing natural detoxification enzymes.
8. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and mustard greens provide a lot of fiber.
Animal studies have shown that broccoli sprouts and Brussels sprouts extract increase detoxifying enzymes and prevent liver damage.
Another study carried out in humans showed that these effects are also valid when Brussels sprouts are cooked.
Finally, a study in mice showed that mice that consumed broccoli developed fewer liver tumors and less risk of suffering from fatty liver disease than those that did not consume it.
9. Nuts
The nuts have potentially beneficial effects on the liver.
According to a study carried out in 2019, the consumption of nuts reduces the risk of suffering from NAFLD.
However, another study showed that consuming small amounts of nuts and seeds is more beneficial to reduce NAFLD risk. Consuming large quantities can be detrimental due to its fat content.
10. Fatty fish
A study showed that fatty fish consumption helps reduce hepatic fat levels in people with NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, thanks to its high Omega-3 content.
However, it is essential to maintain the ratio of omega-3 fats to omega-6 fats since if it is too high, it can cause liver disease.
11. Olive oil
Olive oil has many health effects on the liver.
Research conducted on 11 NAFLD patients showed that consuming one tablespoon of olive oil per day reduces fat levels and improves liver enzymes. It also increases the levels of proteins associated with good metabolic function.
Other studies have also shown the beneficial effects of olive oil, such as less fat accumulation in the liver, better blood levels of liver enzymes, and better insulin sensitivity.
Conclusion
The liver is a vital organ in the body. It helps to convert food into energy and helps to keep your immune system in top shape. The liver also helps the kidneys to remove waste from the blood.
The liver is one of the most important organs in our body. It helps regulate our blood sugar levels, stops us from getting too fat, and helps us deal with any inflammation that may be happening in our body.
Help your liver to maintain a healthy state by consuming foods that are good for it.
