As the biggest gland in our bodies, the liver carries out over 500 different functions that keep us alive and well. For the most part, the liver acts like a filter, flushing out all sorts of toxins, harmful substances and waste products from our bodies like clockwork.

The liver can also “take care” of itself, so to speak. But an abundance of toxins can make it difficult for the liver to do this. Factors like poor nutrition, smoking, taking medications and exposure to pollutants can clog the liver with harmful substances that impair vital liver functions. If left unchecked, a burdened and overworked liver can lead to liver disease, liver damage and liver failure.

Foods that cleanse the liver

Experts recommend eating a balanced diet with liver-cleansing foods to keep the liver in tip-top shape. You can also couple this with regular exercise, moderate alcohol intake and minimal exposure to environmental pollutants to ensure optimal liver health.

With that, here are 11 foods with natural detoxification properties that help cleanse the liver:

Coffee

Studies show that antioxidants in coffee protect the liver from inflammation and cellular damage due to disease-causing free radicals and other harmful substances. Drinking coffee, in particular, reduces the risk of cirrhosis or permanent liver damage in people with chronic liver disease.

Tea

Drinking tea provides a wide range of benefits, from weight loss to better cardiovascular health. But its unique plant compounds called catechins also help assist liver functions. In particular, catechins in green tea decrease the risk of liver cancer.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains the antioxidants naringenin and naringin that help protect the liver from inflammation and cellular damage. These antioxidants also prevent fat accumulation in the liver, which can lead to chronic inflammation. In addition, naringin helps our bodies process alcohol better to keep it from causing liver damage.

Berries

Berries are great sources of antioxidants. Several varieties like blueberries and cranberries are chock-full of antioxidants called anthocyanins that also help improve immune functions. Anthocyanins are also hailed for their potent anti-viral and anti-cancer properties.

Grapes

Resveratrol is a beneficial plant compound found in red and purple grapes. It has been featured in several animal studies because of its positive effects on liver health. These effects include lowering inflammation, preventing liver damage and boosting antioxidant levels.

Prickly pear

The prickly pear is an edible cactus often used in traditional medicine to treat ulcers, diabetes, high cholesterol and liver disease. It is often touted for its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beetroot

Beetroot contains vitamin C and a good dose of fiber. Both of these compounds work to cleanse the blood, breaking down toxic wastes to help them be eliminated a lot faster. Fiber also interacts with the bile produced in the liver to support digestion and metabolism. In addition, beetroot is rich in antioxidants called betalains that fight inflammation.

Cruciferous vegetables

Vegetables classified under the Brassica genus of plants possess sulfur-rich plant compounds that enhance liver detoxification. These vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprout, kale, spinach, cabbage and cauliflower.

Nuts

Walnuts, pecans, pistachios and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant known to combat inflammation. Because of their high vitamin E content, the regular consumption of nuts has been linked to enhanced liver functions in people at risk of liver diseases.

Fatty fish

Fatty fishes like salmon, tuna, herring and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation. Omega-3s are often linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, but these fats can also help prevent fat accumulation in the liver.

Olive oil

Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils because of its rich monounsaturated fat content. These fats include omega-3s and oleic acid, which makes up 73 percent of the total oil content of olive oil. These fats offer great support for the liver, eliminating fat buildup and increasing blood flow.

Eat these foods as part of a balanced diet to maintain optimal liver health.

Sources:

HopkinsMedicine.org

Healthline.com