The liver is one of the most complex and most important organs in the human body, an organ that plays many roles, from the metabolism of the fats and proteins that we ingest with our food to breaking down toxins, such as alcohol and the chemicals in medications. To be able to work that hard all the time, your liver can do with some help in the form of the right diet choices and healthy lifestyle. According to a vascular surgeon Kansas City professional, here are some foods and drinks that can promote the health of your liver.
Coffee
If you are a coffee enthusiast who savors several cups of the hot, brewed, caffeinated beverage, you should be aware that whenever you sit down to sip your coffee, you are helping your liver. The benefit arises from the ability of coffee to prevent the formation of fat deposits in the liver and also from the high antioxidant content of the beverage that fights inflammation throughout the body, including in the liver.
To make the most of the health promoting abilities of coffee, make sure to consume it in the right quantity, not more than three cups per day.
Berries
Cranberries and blueberries are exceptionally beneficial for liver health through their high contents of antioxidants, but the other, milder colored berries are also good for you. Consuming berry juices for a period of only 21 days has proven efficient not only in promoting liver health, but also in boosting the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections.
Nuts
Walnuts, peanuts and almonds are great sources of healthy fats, vitamins and fibers, all beneficial for liver health. However, be aware that nuts are high in calories, so make sure to consume them in moderation, in quantities of maximum a handful per day.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccolis, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens and the other cruciferous vegetables are all great for your overall health as well as for the health of your liver. Their beneficial effects or partly due to their exceptionally high contents of fibers, so beneficial for the entire digestive tract, as well as to their detoxification effects that can clean the liver and make its work easier.
Fatty Fish
High in Omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish varieties contain compounds that reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Olive Oil
Many of the dishes we eat need some sort of fat during the preparation process and olive oil is a great option that promotes health in a variety of ways. Beside its positive effects on metabolism and on the cardiovascular system, olive oil is known to be beneficial for the liver as well – several studies have demonstrated that olive oil reduces fatty deposits in the liver and improves the organ’s blood circulation.
Oatmeal
Whether in the form of flakes or as porridge, oat is high in fiber and in vitamins that are great for optimizing liver function. Starting the day with a bowl of oat is a great way to reduce your overall daily calories intake, thus contributing to your efforts to shed a few pounds.