Diet for healthy liver

Here are some foods which are good for the liver when consumed regularly in moderate quantities.


Garlic

Garlic contains allicin which is a sulfur-based compound needed by the liver for effective detoxification. Garlic helps the liver rid the body of mercury, certain food additives and the hormone estrogen.

Onions

The strong smells and flavors that are unique to onions come from “glucosoids”, volatile, stinging acidic juices contained in most varieties of “Liliaceas”, the family of onions. Vitamin B, Niacin and potassium are also highly active ingredients found in most onion varieties. Their volatile juices are effective anti-parasite agents and aid the liver in flushing out toxins as well. No matter how onions are used, they are one of the healthiest foods for the liver.

Vegetables (broccoli, Sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage)

These vegetables are very powerful detoxifiers of the liver. They contain chemicals that neutralize certain toxins such as nitrosamines found in cigarette smoke and aflotoxin found in peanuts. They also contain glucosinolates that help the liver to produce enzymes it needs for its detoxification processes.

Freshly squeezed lemon in hot water.

Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cup of boiled water first thing in the morning helps to cleanse the liver and promote detoxification. It also stimulates bile production, cleanses the stomach and bowel and stimulates a bowel motion.

Beetroot

It's a blood-purifying tonic that is also capable of absorbing heavy metals.

High-antioxidant fruits

blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe, apples and pears. Antioxidants help to protect the liver from the high levels of free radicals that are naturally produced during the process of detoxification.

Apples

Apples contain pectin that bind to heavy metals in the body (in particular in the colon) and help their excretion. This reduces the load on the liver and its detoxification capacities.

Artichoke

Increases bile production. One of the jobs of bile is to remove toxins through the bowel, as well as 'unfriendly' micro-organisms. It has been suggested that 30 minutes after eating globe artichoke, bile flow is increased by over 100%.

Bitter leafy salad greens

The bitterness of these foods helps to stimulate bile flow within the liver.

Coconut

Coconut water is so quickly and easily processed by the liver than it could actually be effectively transfused intravenously directly into your blood stream. Also a rich source of organic oils, calcium, phosphorous and Iron which are easily broken down and used by the liver in a number of key functions. Coconut also contains amounts of vitamin C.