Did you know that your liver is one of the most heroic of all human organs? This multi-tasking powerhouse does everything from producing proteins, cholesterol and bile to storing vitamins, minerals and even carbohydrates.
The liver also filters toxins from foods, alcohol, medications and environmental chemicals with the aid of Kupffer immune cells which engulf, digest and excrete toxins in a process called phagocytosis. Since your liver works overtime to protect you, how can you best support those herculean efforts? Consider these ideas.
Foods that are good for your liver
Fresh, whole plant foods support liver well-being in many ways. One study calls out these healthy choices in particular:
Avocado
Enjoy it on toast, in salads, sandwiches, guacamole, or enjoy these crowd-pleasing Roasted Butternut Squash & Black Bean Tostadas.
Bananas
The perfect snack! Also, try this luscious Two-Ingredient Banana Nice Cream with Dark Chocolate Sauce or this Peppermint Chip Nice Cream.
Beets
Savor fresh beet juice, or add grated beets to soups, wraps, etc. You might also like this Beet Salad with Vegan Feta or these sweet, crunchy beet chips.
Broccoli
Enjoy it raw with fun dips, try these Vegan Broccoli Burgers with Turmeric Tahini or consider these Zucchini “Noodles” with Broccoli Pesto.
Brown rice
Along with your favorite pilaf, try Brown Rice Cereal instead of oatmeal, Brown Rice Burger Buns, or get it in this delicious Plant-Based Protein Powder.
Carrots
Beyond making amazing juice and adorning salads and entrées, carrots also make tasty, crunchy chips, like these organic carrot sticks. Or how about these sublime Vegan Carrot Cake Parfaits with Maple Cream “Cheese” Frosting?
Figs
Enjoy these mineral-rich gems in salads or on cheese plates, dig into these raw, vegan Walnut-Fig bars, or treat yourself to some decadent-tasting Sprouted Hazelnut & Fig Organic Raw Chocolate Bark.
Kale
Along with amazing salads, like this Kale-Citrus-Pomegranate number, check out these crunchy kale chips, available in Zesty Nacho or Kool Ranch or Mango-Habanero flavors.
Beverages to sip for liver support
Among other benefits, these beverages are notable for supporting liver wellness:
Coffee
This wildly popular brew appears to offer several liver-protective benefits. Choose organic coffee when possible, as conventional beans are heavily treated with unhealthy chemicals.
Green Tea
Researchers have linked green tea with various liver wellness benefits, especially in people who drank four cups per day. This sugar-free Matcha Drink Mix is ideal for quick lattes. For travel, you’ll love these Matcha To Go Sticks.
Grapefruit juice
Two powerful antioxidants in grapefruit, naringin and naringenin, may help reinforce liver well-being. Squeeze your own fresh juice rather than using shelf-stable or pasteurized products if possible, or dig into a fresh grapefruit for breakfast, drizzled with Elderberry-Pomegranate Syrup. Yum!
Herbal supplements for liver support
These are just a few of the herbs and spices that support healthy liver function:
Milk thistle
Silymarin, often called milk thistle, has been used for over 2,000 years for its liver-supporting properties. This synergistic liver wellness formula combines silymarin and other beneficial nutrients, herbs and amino acids.
Turmeric
This sunny-hued spice has long been celebrated for its potent antioxidant content and other liver-nourishing properties.
Licorice
Long been appreciated in traditional Asian medicine, this herb largely owes its liver-supporting benefits to the saponin compound glycyrrhizin. You can try it in this pleasant tasting, liquid licorice formula, easy-swallow capsules, or chewable tablets, as you prefer.
These are just a few ways you can show your liver some love. And indeed, why not take proper care of a heroic organ that works non-stop on your behalf? Cheers to your health!
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