Zee Media Bureau/Salome Phelamei
There is no such concept that a specific food will protect your liver from disease and damage, but eating a healthy, balanced diet can obviously help you maintain an ideal weight. It will also aid you in digestion as well as reduce your cholesterol, which are beneficial for your liver.
Liver, which is the second largest organ in your body, works around the clock - from cleaning up whatever goes in, and assisting with what goes out. It is often referred to as the gatekeeper of the body.
Here are top five liver-friendly foods that can include in your daily diet:
Lemon:
One of the best things you can do for your liver is to include lemons. Lemons are a natural cleansing food and provide a wealth of antioxidants, including Vitamin C. Starting your day with the juice of half a lemon in warm water is an excellent wake up call for the liver.
Turmeric:
Well known for promoting liver health, turmeric contains the chemical curcumin, which anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic and anti-oxidative. It is an excellent source for a liver virus or infection.
Garlic:
You have many reasons to include garlic into a liver wellness diet. Garlic holds high amounts of allicin and selenium - two powerhouse nutrients for your liver - which act in cleansing and in nourishing the entire body, especially the blood.
Beets:
Bright and beautiful in colour, beets can help stimulate and improve overall liver function. Beets are also high in antioxidants and important nutrients including: folate, fiber (in the form of pectin), iron, betaine, betalains, betacyanin, and betanin.
Broccoli:
Research has revealed that eating broccoli three to five times each week may significantly lower your risk for liver cancer. Broccoli are a good source of calcium, potassium, folate, fibre and a group of compounds called phytonutrients. They are also high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, improtant for the liver.
