The liver is a vital organ for good health. A liver that is unhealthy can cause liver disease and metabolic problems. Type II diabetes causes liver disease most commonly.
Even though controlling all risk factors for liver disease is impossible, certain foods and beverages can help improve liver health.
This article will discuss the best foods for the liver, their benefits, and foods to avoid.
According to a 2014 study, more than 50% of Americans consume coffee daily.
Coffee is suitable for your liver, mainly because it can protect against things like fatty liver disease.
The review also noted that daily coffee consumption might reduce the risk of chronic liver disease. It can also protect your liver from harmful conditions such as liver cancer.
According to a study by the 2014 Trusted Source, the protective effects of caffeine may be due to its influence on liver enzymes.
Coffee seems to reduce the fat buildup in your liver. It also increases protective 2017 reportTrusted Source, beta-glucans have high biological activity in the body. They help modulate the immune system and fight inflammation. They may be accommodating in the fight against Trusted Source, published in 2016; green tea could reduce the risk of liver tumors among Asian women. The study does note that further research is needed.
Drinking green tea is better than taking green tea extracts because high doses can damage the liver instead of healing it.
According to a small study conducted in 2016 by Trusted Source, supplementing with garlic powder capsules may reduce weight and body fat for people with nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) without affecting lean body mass.
Many people find that losing weight is beneficial since obesity or being overweight is a factor in NAFLD. It is necessary to conduct more human studies to determine if eating garlic has the same effect.
Polyphenols are antioxidants found in dark berries such as blueberries and cranberries. They may protect the liver.
According to a 2013 study by Trusted Source on rats, blueberry juice supplements may increase antioxidant capacity in the liver. This study suggests that blueberry extract could also help reduce liver fibers. This benefit needs to be confirmed by more human studies.
According to a 2014 study by Trusted Source, grape seeds, as well as skin and pulp, contain significant amounts of antioxidants. These antioxidants appear to protect against some liver damage.
Including these compounds in your diet is easy by eating whole grapes with seeds. Grape seed extract supplements may also contain antioxidants.
Grapefruit is rich in two antioxidants, naringin (and naringenin). These antioxidants may protect the liver by reducing inflammation and protecting liver cells.
According to a 2019 studyTrustedSource, naringin could protect against alcohol-induced liver damage by reducing oxidative stress.
However, some medications metabolized by the liver may interact with grapefruit. People should consult a doctor before adding grapefruits or grapefruit juice to their diet.
