5 liver-protective foods you should be eating
By Louise Belle BHSc (Nut Med)
On a daily basis we are exposed to an immense number of toxins in the form of plastics, heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides, alcohol, chemicals in beauty and cleaning products, car fumes, cigarette smoke and so on. The liver works tirelessly to break down and remove these toxins and, in the process, may become inflamed or damaged. It is beneficial to regularly eat foods that will benefit and protect the liver.
1. Oranges
This wonderful citrus fruit, along with lemons, limes, grapefruits and mandarins are a fantastic source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is effective at reducing inflammation in the body and is vital for phase 2 liver detoxification which removes toxins from the body. Vitamin C is also required for healthy collagen production, needed to keep tissues (such as the liver) healthy, and to stimulate repair.
2. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are not only a great source of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats, they are also the richest source of the mineral selenium. Selenium helps to protect the liver against damage, assists with detoxification and has anti-viral properties. Unfortunately, due to soil depletion, many Australians are lacking selenium in their diets.
3. Cauliflower
This wonderful white vegetable is a member of the brassica family which consist of sulphur-containing vegetables. Natural sulphur is needed by the liver in order for its detoxification pathways to work efficiently. Sulphur is also needed for collagen production which can help to rebuild damaged tissues. If you aren’t a fan of eating white trees, try turning them into cauliflower rice, a pizza base, sneaking them into a soup or roasting them.
4. Spinach
Spinach and other leafy green vegetables are great for the liver! They are a source of chlorophyll which is essentially the plant pigment that gives greens their green colour. It not only reduces inflammation in the body but also enhances the action of phase 2 detoxification enzymes, as well as reducing levels of Aflatoxin-B1 which is linked to cell mutation in liver cells.
5. Green tea
Green tea offers more benefits than simply tasting delicious and boosting energy. Green tea is rich in antioxidant compounds, in particular a class of antioxidants called catechins. These antioxidants neutralise reactive oxygen species that cause damage to cells and offers protective benefits to the liver. If you aren’t a fan of straight green tea, try throwing in a slice of lemon, or mixing it with some peppermint tea.
If you feel as though your liver has been under stress or you simply want to improve your overall health, the Dr Cabot 15 Day Cleanse will support your liver, gut and immune system for a total body detox.
Leave A Comment