A healthy liver plays many important roles in the body. The liver breaks down harmful substances, removes waste materials from the blood, regulates levels of chemicals in the body and stores nutrients and vitamins. When the liver is diseased, these functions in the body can be disturbed. A healthy liver can be maintained through the intake of certain vitamins and minerals, advises MayoClinic.com.
B Vitamins
The B vitamins act as cofactors in the liver's pathways of detoxification. Vitamin B12 increases the flow of bile in the liver, which aids in the breakdown of cholesterol in the body. Vitamin B12 is mainly available from animal products such as red meat, chicken, turkey and egg yolks. Vegans and vegetarians, who do not consume animal products, may be deficient in this vitamin and may take a supplement to increase intake. Other food sources of B vitamins include fish, brown rice and nuts.
Antioxidants
Vitamin C and vitamin E can naturally detox the body and help support a healthy liver. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help to fight infection and aid in tissue repair. They can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges. Vitamin E can be found in almonds, olive oil and nut butters. Womenfitness.net states that these vitamins are able to stop free-radical damage to tissues or may help the liver to detoxify damaging chemicals.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that helps to heal wounds and clot the blood. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, zinc helps neutralize free radicals in the body and therefore protects against these harmful products. Zinc may help improve immune strength if the liver is overworked by disease or another harmful condition. Dietary sources of zinc include pumpkin seeds, red meat and seafood.
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