The liver is among the largest solid organs in the human body, processing one pint of blood at any given moment and performing some 500 functions for the body. Its primary function is as a blood cleaner and filter, controlling the levels of fat, sugar and essential acids in the blood as well as contributing to healthy digestion and metabolism. Eating the right foods helps to keep the liver healthy and functional.
Vegetable Proteins
One of the metabolic functions of the liver is breaking down proteins for the body to use. Eating high levels of animal proteins can overwhelm liver functionality levels, especially in people with a damaged liver or liver disease. MedlinePlus notes that optimal levels are 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight to avoid overconsumption, and the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that vegetable proteins, such as those found in soy, can be a hedge against triggering liver inflammation.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For optimal liver health, alcohol should not be consumed. It puts stress on the liver and is the most common cause of liver damage or cirrhosis in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Switching to water, juice or other non-alcoholic beverages reduces risk factors for liver damage and contributes to liver health over time. Tea can be an especially good non-alcoholic beverage choice for liver health, as the Linus Pauling Institute notes that tea is a good source of manganese, a mineral that the liver uses to help with its metabolic responsibilities.
Turmeric
Turmeric is related to ginger and also known as Indian saffron. The shrub is used as a seasoning and spice in curry powder, mustard and some cheeses as well as an herbal tea. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, turmeric can be used to improve liver health and liver function. Part of the plant's power to help the liver stems from its abilities to help reduce inflammation levels in the body due to the level of curcumin it contains; the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes this that preliminary studies on animals suggest this substance works as an anti-inflammatory agent.
