What is a liver and how does it work?
Our liver is the most important and largest organ of the body. It is responsible for detoxification and other functions like the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and hormones. The liver also maintains a balance between hormones, aids ketone formation, maintains blood sugar stability, and promotes digestion.
The liver also breaks down toxins like medications, alcohol, and other by-products by metabolism. So the liver is a powerhouse of an organ and we need to keep it in good shape for maintaining health.
- Liver detoxification:
Liver filters and detoxifies our body from environmental and natural toxins and other pathogenic organisms. It also converts the toxic substances into benign substances that may be removed by the kidney.
- Digestion and nutrient regulation:
The liver may also act as a digestive organ and plays an important role in all metabolic processes in the body, hence metabolizing carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It also stores mineral and vitamins and release them into the blood, and convert nutrients from our foods into essential body components.
The liver also produces bile which is important for the absorption of fats in our diet. Bile acids play a vigorous role in the elimination of fat-soluble toxins and excess substances such as hormones from the body.
- Blood sugar balance:
The liver is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates and ensures constant level of blood sugar level. If there is an increase in blood sugar level, the liver removes excess sugar and stores it in the form of glycogen. When the blood sugar level is low, the liver breaks down glycogen and releases sugar into the blood.
The liver also metabolizes protein by converting amino acids to produce energy, during this process there is the production of ammonia, which is a very toxic gas. The liver rapidly removes ammonia by converting it into a lesser toxic substance called urea.
The liver also regulates hormone production and maintains its proper function in the body. It also maintains the immune system to fight infections and remove microorganisms from the body. Now that we know our liver performs a plethora of functions, it is our responsibility to maintain liver health. So here are the best foods mentioned that are good for the liver.
Best food which can help the liver
1. Coffee
Coffee is a popular drink that can be used to keep your liver healthy. It has been shown that drinking coffee protects the liver from a number of problems, such as cirrhosis or damage permanently. Coffee beans are often used as foods that are good for the hepatic because they lower the risk of developing cancer and help with inflammation and liver diseases.
People with chronic liver disease are less likely to die when they eat coffee. This is thought to be the biggest benefit of coffee among all the foods that are good for liver health. This drink has a lot of benefits because it stops the buildup of fat and collagen, which are the two main signs of liver disease. Coffee also raises the level of glutathione, an antioxidant, and reduces inflammation.
2. Grapefruit
There are foods which are good for liver repair as they contain anti-oxidants that naturally protect the liver. The antioxidants protect the liver from injury.
Grapefruits are widely used fruits good for liver health they can reduce inflammation and also protect liver cells.
The presence of antioxidants reduces the development of hepatic fibrosis, a harmful complication in which excessive connective tissues build up in the liver, this is typically a result of chronic inflammation.
3. Prickly pear
Prickly pear, also known as Opuntia ficus Indica, is a widely available food good for the liver.
It is the most popular type of edible cactus used in traditional medicine for the treatment of
- Fatigue
- Wounds
- Ulcers
- Liver disease
This plant extract also helps to reduce the symptoms of a hangover. Prickly pear is the best food for the liver as when this extract is consumed before taking alcohol it aids in the detoxification process and hence protects the liver from the harmful effects of alcohol. It also reduces inflammation, which often occurs after drinking alcohol.
4. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetable foods good for liver disease include- Broccoli, brussels sprouts, and mustard greens. These are well known for their distinctive taste and high fibre content and are also rich in beneficial plant compounds.
Broccoli and brussels sprouts increase the level of detoxifying enzymes and protect the liver from damage. Therefore, cruciferous vegetables look promising as liver-healthy foods.
5. Fatty fish
Fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that help to reduce inflammation and are associated with a lower risk of heart diseases.
Omega-3 is the best food for the liver because it lowers liver fat and triglycerides in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
However, omega-6 fats lead to the development of liver diseases, Hence ideally you should reduce the intake of omega-6 fats and improve your consumption of omega-3 fats. Since consumption of omega-3 fatty acids are foods good for the liver, adding more of these to your diet is help to reduce harmful effects.
6. Olive oil
Olive oils are considered good food for the liver because of their many health benefits including positive effects on metabolic health, like heart and liver.
Olive oil raises the level of protein and is associated with positive metabolic effects.
People who consume olive oil have less fat accumulation and better blood flow in the liver. It also improves insulin sensitivity hence also beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. So, all these food which are recommended for the liver is good because they can help to liver function properly and detoxify the toxins.
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