Liver detoxing foods

Lemon is high in vitamin C, which helps the liver clear out old, stored toxins.

Other Liver detox foods:

Coffee - Coffee is one of the best beverages you can drink to promote liver health. Benefits seem to stem from its ability to prevent the buildup of fat and collagen, two of the main markers of liver disease. Coffee also decreases inflammation and increases levels of the antioxidant glutathione. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals, which are produced naturally in the body and can cause damage to cells.

Green Tea - Tea is widely considered to be beneficial for health, but evidence has shown that it may have particular benefits for the liver. One large Japanese study found that drinking 5–10 cups of green tea per day was associated with improved blood markers of liver health. A smaller study in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients found drinking green tea high in antioxidants for 12 weeks improved liver enzyme levels and may also reduce oxidative stress and fat deposits in the liver.

Grapefruit - contains antioxidants that naturally protect the liver. The two main antioxidants found in grapefruit are naringenin and naringin. Several animal studies have found that both help protect the liver from injury. The protective effects of grapefruit are known to occur in two ways — by reducing inflammation and protecting cells. Studies have also shown that these antioxidants can reduce the development of hepatic fibrosis, a harmful condition in which excessive connective tissue builds up in the liver. This typically results from chronic inflammation.

Blueberries & Cranberries - both contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that give berries their distinctive colors. They’ve also been connected to many health benefits. Several animal studies have demonstrated that whole cranberries and blueberries, as well as their extracts or juices, can help keep the liver healthy. Consuming these fruits for 3–4 weeks protected the liver from damage. Additionally, blueberries helped increase immune cell response and antioxidant enzymes.

Grapes - Especially red and purple grapes, contain a variety of beneficial plant compounds. The most famous one is resveratrol, which has a number of health benefits.Many animal studies have shown that grapes and grape juice can benefit the liver.Studies have found that they can have various benefits, including lowering inflammation, preventing damage and increasing antioxidant levels.

Prickly Pear - Known scientifically as Opuntia ficus-indica, is a popular type of edible cactus (I grow these and never knew this about them). Its fruit and juice are most commonly consumed. It has long been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for ulcers, wounds, fatigue and liver disease. A 2004 study in 55 people found that the extract of this plant reduced symptoms of a hangover. Participants experienced less nausea, dry mouth and lack of appetite and were half as likely to experience a severe hangover if they consumed the extract before drinking alcohol, which is detoxified by the liver.

Beetroot Juice - Beetroot juice is a source of nitrates and antioxidants called betalains, which may benefit heart health and reduce oxidative damage and inflammation. It’s reasonable to assume that eating beets themselves would have similar health effects. However, most studies use beetroot juice. You can juice beets yourself or buy beetroot juice from the store or online. Several rat studies have shown that beetroot juice reduces oxidative damage and inflammation in the liver, as well as increases natural detoxification enzymes.

Cruciferous Vegetables - Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli and mustard greens are known for their high fiber content and distinctive taste. They are also high in beneficial plant compounds. Animal studies have shown Brussels sprouts and broccoli sprout extract increase levels of detoxification enzymes and protect the liver from damage. A study in human liver cells found that this effect remained even when Brussels sprouts were cooked. A recent study in men with fatty liver found that broccoli sprout extract, which is high in beneficial plant compounds, improved liver enzyme levels and decreased oxidative stress.

Nuts - Nuts are high in fats, nutrients — including the antioxidant vitamin E — and beneficial plant compounds. This composition is responsible for several health benefits, especially for heart health, but potentially also for the liver. (One six-month observational study in 106 people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease found eating nuts was associated with improved levels of liver enzymes. What’s more, a second observational study found that men who ate small amounts of nuts and seeds had a higher risk of developing NAFLD than men who ate large amounts of nuts and seeds.While more high-quality studies are needed, preliminary data points to nuts being an important food group for liver health.

Fatty Fish - Contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that reduce inflammation and have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The fats found in fatty fish are beneficial for the liver, as well. In fact, studies have shown that they help prevent fat from building up, keep enzyme levels normal, fight inflammation and improve insulin resistance. While consuming omega-3-rich fatty fish appears to be beneficial for your liver, adding more omega-3 fats to your diet is not the only thing to consider. The ratio of omega-3 fats to omega-6 fats is also important. Most Americans exceed the intake recommendations for omega-6 fats, which are found in many plant oils. An omega-6 to omega-3 ratio that is too high can promote the development of liver disease. Therefore, it’s a good idea to reduce your intake of omega-6 fats, too.

Olive Oil - Olive oil is considered a healthy fat because of its many health benefits, including positive effects on heart and metabolic health. However, it also has positive effects on the liver. One small study in 11 people with NAFLD found that consuming one teaspoon (6.5 ml) of olive oil per day improved liver enzyme and fat levels.It also raised levels of a protein associated with positive metabolic effects. The participants also had less fat accumulation and better blood flow in the liver.S everal more recent studies have found similar effects of olive oil consumption in humans, including less fat accumulation in the liver, improved insulin sensitivity and improved blood levels of liver enzymes.