The liver is a powerhouse of an organ. It performs a variety of essential tasks, ranging from producing proteins, cholesterol and bile to storing vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. It also helps in detoxification of toxic substances - potent substances that could be a malignant to the body - this is just to mention but a few, the liver has a wide array of functions and that has made it a very vital organ in the body.
It also breaks down toxins like alcohol, medications and natural byproducts of metabolism. Keeping your liver in good shape is important for maintaining health.
This article lists the 11 best foods to eat to keep your liver healthy.
. Coffee
Coffee is one of the best beverages you can drink to promote liver health.
Studies have shown that drinking coffee protects the liver from disease, even in those who already have problems with this organ.
For example, studies have repeatedly shown that drinking coffee lowers the risk of cirrhosis, or permanent liver damage, in people with chronic liver disease.
Drinking coffee may also reduce the risk of developing a common type of liver cancer, and it has positive effects on liver disease and inflammation.
It’s even associated with a lower risk of death in people with chronic liver disease, with the greatest benefits seen in those who drink at least three cups per day.
These 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.
While coffee has many health benefits, your liver, in particular, will thank you for that morning cup of Joe.
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Summary:
Coffee increases antioxidant levels in the liver, all while decreasing inflammation. It also lowers the risk of developing liver disease, cancer and fatty liver.
. 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.
Furthermore, another review found that people who drank green tea were less likely to develop liver cancer. The lowest risk was seen in people who drank four or more cups per day.
A number of mouse and rat studies have also demonstrated the beneficial effects of black and green tea extracts.
For example, one study in mice found that black tea extract reversed many of the negative effects of a high-fat diet on the liver, as well as improved blood markers of liver health.
Nevertheless, some people, especially those who have liver problems, should exercise caution before consuming green tea as a supplement.
That’s because there have been several reports of liver damage resulting from the use of supplements containing green tea extract.
Summary:
Black and green tea may improve enzyme and fat levels in the liver. However, exercise caution if you’re taking a green tea extract, as it may cause damage.
. Grapefruit
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.
Moreover, in mice that were fed a high-fat diet, naringenin decreased the amount of fat in the liver and increased the number of enzymes necessary for burning fat, which can help prevent excess fat from accumulating.
Lastly, in rats, naringin has been shown to improve the ability to metabolize alcohol and counteract some of alcohol’s negative effects.
Thus far, the effects of grapefruit or grapefruit juice itself, rather than its components, have not been studied. Additionally, almost all studies looking at the antioxidants in grapefruit have been conducted in animals.
Nevertheless, the current evidence points to grapefruit being a good way to keep your liver healthy by fighting damage and inflammation.
Summary:
The antioxidants in grapefruit protect the liver by reducing inflammation and increasing its protective mechanisms. However, human studies, as well as those on grapefruit or grapefruit juice itself, are lacking.
. Blueberries and Cranberries
Blueberries and 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.
Another experiment found that the types of antioxidants found commonly in berries slowed the development of lesions and fibrosis, the development of scar tissue, in the livers of rats.
What’s more, blueberry extract has even been shown to inhibit the growth of human liver cancer cells in test-tube studies. However, more studies are needed to determine if this effect can be replicated in the human body.
Making these berries a regular part of your diet is a good way to make sure your liver is supplied with the antioxidants it needs to stay healthy.
Summary:
Berries are high in antioxidants, which help protect the liver from damage. They may even improve its immune and antioxidant responses. Still, human studies are needed to confirm these results.
. Grapes
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.
A small study in humans with NAFLD showed that supplementing with grape seed extract for three months improved liver function.
However, since grape seed extract is a concentrated form, you might not see the same effects from consuming whole grapes. More studies are needed before taking grape seed extract for the liver can be recommended.
Nonetheless, the wide range of evidence from animal and some human studies suggests that grapes are a very liver-friendly food.
Summary:
Animal and some human studies show that grapes and grape seed extract protect the liver from damage, increase antioxidant levels and fight inflammation.
. Prickly Pear
Prickly pear, known scientifically as Opuntia ficus-indica, is a popular type of edible cactus. 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.
The study concluded these effects were due to a reduction in inflammation, which often occurs after drinking alcohol.
Another study in mice found that consuming prickly pear extract helped normalize enzyme and cholesterol levels when consumed at the same time as a pesticide known to be harmful to the liver. Subsequent studies found similar results.
A more recent study in rats sought to determine the effectiveness of prickly pear juice, rather than its extract, at combating the negative effects of alcohol.
This study found that the juice decreased the amount of oxidative damage and injury to the liver after alcohol consumption and helped keep antioxidant and inflammation levels stable.
More human studies are needed, especially using prickly pear fruit and juice, rather than extract. Nonetheless, the studies thus far have demonstrated that prickly pear has positive effects on the liver.
Summary:
Prickly pear fruit and juice may help fight hangover symptoms by reducing inflammation. They may also protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol consumption.
. 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.
While animal studies look promising, similar studies have not been done in humans.
Other beneficial health effects of beetroot juice have been observed in animal studies and replicated in human studies. However, more studies are needed to confirm the benefits of beetroot juice on liver health in humans.
Summary:
Beetroot juice protects the liver from oxidative damage and inflammation, all while increasing its natural detoxification enzymes. However, human studies are needed.
. 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.
The same study found that the broccoli sprout extract prevented liver failure in rats.
Human studies are limited. But so far, cruciferous vegetables look promising as a beneficial food for liver health.
Try lightly roasting them with garlic and lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to turn them into a tasty and healthy dish.
Summary:
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts may increase the liver’s natural detoxification enzymes, help protect it from damage and improve blood levels of liver enzymes.
. 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.
Summary:
Nut intake has been associated with improved liver enzyme levels in patients with NAFLD. Conversely, low nut intake has been associated with a higher risk of developing the disease.
. Fatty Fish
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.
Summary:
Eating omega-3-rich fatty fish has many benefits for the liver. However, it’s just as important to keep your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in check.
. 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.
Several 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.
Fat accumulation in the liver is part of the first stage of liver disease. Therefore, olive oil’s positive effects on liver fat, as well as other aspects of health, make it a valuable part of a healthy diet.
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Summary:
Studies show that olive oil consumption decreases the levels of fat in the liver, increases blood flow and improves liver enzyme levels.
The Bottom Line
Your liver is an important organ with many essential functions.
Therefore, it makes sense to do what you can to protect it, and the foods listed above have demonstrated beneficial effects on the liver.
These include lowering the risk of liver disease and cancer, raising antioxidant and detoxification enzyme levels and offering protection from harmful toxins.
Incorporating these foods into your diet is a natural and healthy way to keep your liver functioning at its best.
