The liver is the second largest organ in the body (second only to skin) and it plays a critical role in your health. The main job of this organ is to filter blood from the digestive tract before it moves through to the rest of the body. It also works to detoxify foreign chemicals and metabolizes drugs. While at work, bile is secreted out of the liver, and this bile makes its way into the intestines. Other important jobs of the liver include creating factors that clot blood, producing proteins, synthesizes glycogen, and makes cholesterol and triglycerides. Lastly, the liver stores vitamins and other important chemicals that are vital to your health, including folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin A, iron, vitamin K and vitamin D.
Like any organ, the liver is susceptible to damage. Though it takes a large amount of damage for any real issues to develop, if they do, they can be catastrophic for your health. Common conditions of the liver include hepatitis, jaundice, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis.
Your diet can have a big impact on the health of your liver. Eating foods that are high in fat and processed materials, as well as ingesting high quantities of alcohol and consuming large amounts of medications can lead to liver damage. These factors leave you more prone to liver damage.
Fortunately, the liver is also highly resilient. Making changes to your diet can actually cleanse it and ensure its proper function. Here’s a look at 11 foods that can cleanse your liver and keep it in good health.
1. Broccoli
This green cruciferous vegetable is touted for being one of the healthiest foods that you can eat. For good reason, too. It is packed with vital nutrients that are important for various metabolic functions. It’s also full of antioxidants and chlorophyll, elements that can cleanse the liver.
Broccoli is also high in dietary fiber, which can cleanse the body – and the liver – of various toxins. Additionally, broccoli contains glucosinolates, which assist the liver with the production of enzymes that further help with the remove of accumulated toxins; and assist with digestion, too.
Plus, broccoli is a great source of vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that further assists with removing toxins from the liver.
