Your liver, along with the kidneys and skin, is the principle organ of detoxification. Your liver's role is to process toxins. A toxin is a chemical or substance that, when in your body, impairs proper functioning and causes injury to your tissues. Consider eating vegetables, such as beets, dandelion and artichoke, to help detoxify your liver.
Beets
Beets are bright reddish-purple root vegetables that are replete with vitamin C and folates. According to a study cited by the George Metaljan Foundation, beets increase the activity of the liver enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathoine-S-transferase in rats. These antioxidant enzymes protect your liver's cells from the free radical damage that naturally occurs during detoxification, thereby helping your liver function optimally. Beets may be roasted or pickled. Also, consider eating them raw, either grated into a vegetable salad or juiced.
Dandelion
Dandelion is more than just an annoying garden weed. Herbalists use dandelion to treat a wide variety of liver problems, as well as to improve overall liver function according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dandelion is rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C and D, as well as iron, potassium and zinc. The leaves are slightly bitter and enhance the flavor of salads and teas. In addition to helping protect and stimulate your liver, dandelion also aids your digestion, which is an essential component of the overall detoxification process.
Artichoke
Artichoke is a pleasantly bitter vegetable. It contains many minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins C and B-complex. According to StopCancer.com, artichoke promotes liver cell generation and blood flow to your liver, which means that artichoke protects your liver and helps it regenerate, so that it may function optimally. To prepare your artichokes, consider steaming them for 45 minutes with garlic, then sparingly dip the flesh in melted butter and enjoy.
Feed Your Liver and Detoxify Your Body
The liver's detoxification process occurs in 2 phases: In the first, toxic substances are transformed into biological intermediates by way of cytomchrome P450 enzymes, and in the second, they are made water-soluble so that they can be eliminated from your body. The vitamins niacin, riboflavin and vitamin C are phase 1 activators, along with thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin E and the minerals magnesium and selenium. Phase 2 detoxification is aided by the B vitamins, as well as vitamins C and E and selenium. Your liver is tasked with the critical role of keeping your body safe from toxins. Eating a diet rich in vegetables helps feed and protect your liver, and this allows your liver to protect you.
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