The liver is an extremely powerful organ. It is responsible for a wide range of functions, including the production of proteins, cholesterol, and bile, as well as the storage of vitamins, minerals, and even carbohydrates. It also breaks down contaminants such as alcohol, drugs, and metabolic byproducts. It’s important to keep your liver in good condition if you want to stay healthy. The 4 best foods to eat to keep your liver healthy are shared in this article by Dr. Gaurav Gupta who is one of the best Mumbai based liver transplant doctor..
1. Coffee
Coffee is one of the most beneficial drinks for liver health. Coffee consumption has been shown to protect the liver from disease, including in those who already have issues with the organ. Drinking coffee, for example, has been shown in several studies to reduce the risk of cirrhosis, or permanent liver damage, in people with chronic liver disease.
“Coffee consumption can lower the risk of developing a common form of liver cancer, as well as having beneficial effects on liver disease and inflammation.”- says Dr. Gaurav Gupta.
It’s also linked to a lower risk of death in people with chronic liver disease, with those who drink at least three cups per day reaping the most benefits. These advantages tend to stem from its ability to resist fat and collagen accumulation, two of the most important signs of liver disease. Coffee also reduces inflammation and boosts glutathione levels, an antioxidant. Free radicals, which are generated naturally in the body and can trigger cell damage, are neutralized by antioxidants.
2. Tea
Tea is generally believed to be beneficial to one’s health, but research indicates that it may be particularly beneficial to the liver. Drinking 10 cups of green tea a day was linked to improved blood markers of liver health in a Japanese study. Drinking high-antioxidant green tea for 12 weeks increased liver enzyme levels and may also help minimize oxidative stress and fat deposits in the liver, according to a smaller study in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Another study discovered that people who drank green tea had a lower risk of developing liver cancer. People who drank four or more cups a day had the lowest risk. Black and green tea extracts have also been shown to be useful in a variety of mouse and rat tests.
In one mouse study, for example, black tea extract reversed many of the harmful effects of a high-fat diet on the liver while also improving blood markers of liver health. However, some people, especially those with liver problems, should use caution when taking green tea as a supplement. This is because there have been many cases of liver damage linked to the use of green tea extract supplements.
3. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is high in antioxidants, which help to protect the liver naturally. Naringenin and naringin are the two primary antioxidants present in grapefruit. Both have been shown in animal studies to help protect the liver from damage. Grapefruit’s protective effects are believed to occur in two ways: by reducing inflammation and protecting cells. These antioxidants have also been shown in studies to aid in the prevention of hepatic fibrosis, a dangerous disease in which excessive connective tissue builds up in the liver. Chronic inflammation is usually the cause of this. Furthermore, naringenin reduced the amount of fat in the liver and increased the number of fat-burning enzymes in mice fed a high-fat diet, which may help prevent excess fat from accumulating.
Finally, naringin has been shown to enhance the capacity to metabolize alcohol and counteract some of the harmful effects of alcohol in rats. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice, rather than its constituents, has not yet been tested for its effects. Furthermore, almost all experiments on grapefruit antioxidants have been carried out on livestock. Grapefruit, however, appears to be a safe way to keep your liver healthy by preventing damage and inflammation, according to current evidence.
4. Cranberries and blueberries
Anthocyanins, the antioxidants that give berries their distinctive colors, are found in both blueberries and cranberries. They’ve also been linked to a number of health benefits. Whole cranberries and blueberries, as well as their extracts or juices, have been shown in many animal studies to help keep the liver healthy. The liver was covered from damage after 21 days of consuming these fruits. Blueberries have aided in the increase of immune cell response and antioxidant enzymes.
Another study discovered that antioxidants present in blueberries delayed the growth of lesions and fibrosis, or scar tissue formation, in the livers of rats. Furthermore, in test-tube tests, blueberry extract has been shown to prevent the development of human liver cancer cells. More research is required, however, to see whether this effect can be reproduced in the human body. Having these berries a daily part of your diet will help to ensure that your liver receives the antioxidants it needs to stay healthy.
