The liver is the largest gland of the body. Viewed as a visceral organ, the liver supports almost every other organ in the body to a certain degree.
The liver is responsible for detoxifying toxins and chemicals in the body, in addition to metabolizing drugs or medications that people take. Also, the liver secretes bile that goes back to the intestines. Bile is a substance that breaks down fats, a process called emulsification. The liver is also responsible for producing proteins that are important for blood clotting; thus, the liver prevents too much bleeding, also termed hemorrhage, which can be fatal to an individual.
Since the liver aids in cleaning the body and getting rid of the body’s internal waste products, it should not be harmed and abused. In a natural basis, people can take good care of the liver, and that way is through nutrition. There are certain foods that provide optimum health to the liver, allowing it to execute its natural processes.
Garlic is one of the foods that clean the liver. According to Global Healing Center, a small amount of garlic activates liver enzymes that aid the body to get rid of toxins. In addition, garlic contains considerable amounts of natural compounds like allicin and selenium, which also help in cleansing the liver. So aside from managing high blood pressure, takin a small amount of garlic can help a person maintain hepatic health.
Broccolis are also good dietary friends for the bile secretor. These vegetables invigorate the body with its vitamins and minerals, according to One Green Planet. Also, the publication said that the bright green color of broccolis indicates that these products of nature have high content of antioxidants, in addition to chlorophyll. Antioxidants are known to prevent toxins and other harmful agents from staying inside the body, thus, they help not only the liver, but also the skin and the body in its entirety. Broccolis are also rich in fiber, which is known to sweep the harmful chemicals from the body, releasing them from the body’s system. Also, fiber provides bulk or roughage, which allows easier release of waste products like fecal material from the body. According to One Green Planet, broccolis, along with its relatives cauliflower and Brussel sprouts, have glucosinolates, which aid the liver produce enzymes that help in toxin removal and digestion.
Tomatoes are known to add taste to every dish in the kitchen, in addition to being an ingredient in fresh salad. According to Collective-Evolution, tomatoes are also foods that aid in cleansing the liver. The publication said that the vegetables have rich contents of glutathione, which acts a detoxifier. In fact, many people have equated glutathione to a whitening agent, but then, the lightening of the skin is brought about by the detoxification or cleansing of the body and not the skin alone. This implies that the cleansing of the body is reflected by the skin. Furthermore, this entails that people, especially women, who desire to have lighter and glowing skin may consider adding tomatoes to their dishes.
Lemon is another accessible food that is known to help in cleansing the liver. The fruit can either be eaten, just like other citrus fruits, such as oranges, or prepared as juice. According to Body and Soul, the juice of half a lemon can be put in hot water, which is drunk first thing in the morning. The publication explained that doing so is a good way to begin the day, as well as an excellent wake up call for the body’s detoxifier. Lemon has a sour taste, which triggers nerves and hormones in the digestive system and the liver. With the boost in the digestive function, lemon juice can also benefit those with hypoactive bowel movement.
With the aforementioned foods, a person can also take good care of the liver by not drinking too much alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and taking excessive doses of synthetic medicine.