The top 9 liver detoxing foods
By Nutrition Consultant, Jess Robinson
Today, the large majority of individuals have overworked livers due to toxin exposure from environmental toxins, beauty and personal care products, chronic stress, overconsumption of processed foods, and drinking unfiltered water. These toxins can build-up in our system contributing to a number of physical and mental health issues such as chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, headaches, sleep issues and other diseases. Our liver is the master detoxifier and needs to be working optimally in order to properly detoxify our body. Here are some foods that are particularly good at promoting liver detoxification:
1. Leafy green vegetables
Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts are powerful liver healing foods that are full of antioxidants and high in chlorophyll to maximise liver function. They can be consumed raw, cooked or juiced, and are capable of counteracting heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides. They also help to increase the production and flow of bile, bile is essential for breaking down and removing waste from the blood and organs. Consume these vegetables regularly to protect your liver.
2. Garlic
Not only is this amazing herb a powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiotic, but garlic also activates liver enzymes that help to flush harmful toxins out of the body. It also contains high amounts of allicin, which helps to optimise liver function and reduce the build-up of toxins in the liver.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which studies have found can lower the risk of cell proliferation resulting in a powerful anti-cancer effect. Cooking or chopping tomatoes helps to increase the absorption of lycopene into the body. Tomatoes are also high in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E and many other antioxidants to further detoxify the liver.
4. Avocados
Not only do avocados taste great on toast, as guacamole or in smoothies, but they also help the body to produce glutathione; the body’s most potent antioxidant and detoxifier. Glutathione helps your body to rid itself of unwanted toxins. Avocados are also rich in many nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin B5, vitamin E, vitamin C, folate, potassium, vitamin A, magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids.
5. Green tea
While not technically a food, this liver-friendly beverage is loaded with catechins, plant-based antioxidants that promote efficient liver function. Green tea is an excellent addition to any diet, and being a herbal tea, it also helps to hydrate the body.
6. Citrus fruits
This encompasses lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges which are extremely high in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that aids in the conversion of toxins into a water-soluble form that can be eliminated from the body. Drinking a large glass of water with fresh lime or lemon is an excellent way to stimulate your liver and kickstart your metabolism for the day.
7. Beets
These deep purple vegetables contain a combination of phytochemicals and minerals, making them powerful blood purifiers and liver cleansers. Being high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene they also help to strengthen and stimulate the liver.
8. Carrots
If you are planning on detoxing your liver, you need to include carrots in your diet as they are high in glutathione, beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and other nutrients that are essential for your liver and entire body. If you don’t like raw carrots, carrots are an excellent addition to juices. There are plenty of juicing recipes in Dr Cabot’s book ‘Raw Juices Can Save Your Life’.
9. Onions
These pungent vegetables are rich in sulphur, hence the strong odour. Sulphur is a powerful detoxing element that aids the body in ridding itself of toxins from the liver. Like garlic, onions are also antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
The Ultimate Superfood Powder contains many liver-loving greens, superfoods and antioxidants. It acts as a great nutritional support to give your liver that extra boost. For more useful tips on detoxing your liver, check out Dr Cabot’s award-winning book ‘The Liver Cleansing Diet’.
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