4 Nutrients Found Foods Good for Liver Health

The liver is often the most used and abused organ in our bodies. From cleaning our blood of toxins to producing hormones, many do not know that the liver actually stores most of the body’s fat, proteins, carbohydrates, and nutrients. But a liver that is tired and malnourished won’t be able to perform at optimum efficiency. A tired liver can bring on chronic health conditions such as fatigue, jaundice, and headaches. Therefore, eating foods good for liver health is the best way to improve your overall body’s health.

Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a vital part of most of the food good for liver health. A potent antioxidant, beta carotene helps prevent damage from free-radicals and toxins that you may ingest. Vegetables contain the highest amount of beta-carotene, this nutrient found in especially high concentrations in carrots and beets.  Fruits, even dried, contain significant beta carotene also. These fruits include:

-          Grapes and raisins

-          Pears

-          Tomatoes, which also contain heart-healthy licopene

-          Berries, such as blueberries

-          Artichokes

-          Parsley

-          Assorted squashes

Fiber
Fiber is another important component of liver cleansing foods in that it helps reduce the toxicity of the food entering into the liver to be stored and cleansed. Fiber-rich food good for the liver also often contains high amounts of other important nutrients. For example, brown rice if extremely fibrous, but contains Selenium as well. Selenium helps the body’s functions operate smoothly and efficiently, often a trace element that is forgotten by many people watching their health. Foods that are high in fiber also include grain bread, cereals, and legumes.

Antioxidants
Any food full of antioxidants is good food for liver health. Antioxidants are beneficial as they slow the progression of damage to your body that free radicals can cause. Grapefruits are extremely rich in antioxidants, aiding in the natural detoxification of the liver as well as the rest of the body. Garlic also contains high amounts of antioxidants which help cleanse the liver food wise. Many health tips include adding garlic to the foods that you eat as a natural way to get these nutrients which cannot be found elsewhere.

Foods to Avoid
There are many foods to avoid if you’re looking to boost the health of your liver. First, drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, as the alcohol harms you liver much more than food can. After limiting the alcohol you consume, avoid fatty, processed, and deep fried foods. Because your liver is a filtering machine, these fats and carbohydrates will be stored in you liver, gumming up the whole works.

Nutrients for Your Liver and Body
Foods good for liver health often include beta carotene, lots of fiber, and plentiful antioxidants. Not surprisingly, all of these beneficial nutrients are found in healthy fruits and veggies, not processed or fried foods. Your liver is a filter for the rest of your body. If not properly taken care of, though, your unhealthy liver can contribute to many health problems such as chronic fatigue and constant headache.

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