The liver is the largest organ in your body, and this triangle-shaped organ consists of more than 300 billion specialized cells. The primary purpose of the liver is to filter your blood of waste and bacteria, control the production and release of bile, and to stockpile vitamins, iron and sugars. Your liver is so important, you would only survive for 24 to 48 hours if it fails. Because of the importance of the organ, it is important to eat certain foods to promote liver health and rejuvenation.
Garlic
Garlic is a common ingredient found in a plethora of dishes, and its use as a medicine dates back thousands of years. The primary active compound in garlic is a substance known as allicin, derived from the chemical alliin, which is a sulfur-containing compound. As garlic bulbs are crushed or broken down, alliin is converted to allicin, and the University of Maryland Medical Center says this compound is the primary constituent responsible for garlic's health benefits. It is believed garlic is a powerful antioxidant, a compound used by the body to prevent cellular damage from free radicals. A study found that liver cancer patients who supplemented with garlic extract for six months experienced an increase in immune system and liver function. A study published by the "Liver International" journal found allicin protected the livers in rats from immune-mediated liver damage. While further studies are required to determine garlic's ability to rejuvenate and protect the human liver, initial findings are promising.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables, such as turnip greens, lettuce, spinach and arugla, contain high levels of folate, which is a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate is responsible for a wide variety of duties within your body, and folate deficiencies are linked to liver disease. Scientists are currently investigating the importance of folate and liver health, but a study performed by the National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics found participants who had high folate levels in their blood experienced less damage to their livers from hepatitis. Thus, consumption of leafy green vegetables might help protect the liver from damage and help this organ maintain high functionality.
Whole Grains
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension says whole grains are rich sources of B complex vitamins, which are responsible for a wide variety of duties within your body, yet the University of Maryland Medical Center says they are essential for healthy liver function. As well as enhancing liver function, B complex vitamins aid in fat metabolism. Thus, consuming whole grains instead of white flour might help rejuvenate the liver and promote liver health.
Green Tea
Green tea is derived from the Camellia sinesis plant, and it is among the most common beverages consumed in the world. The medicinal properties of green tea are attributed to its polyphenols, which are known as catechins. Green tea contains a total of six active catechins, and it is believed these compounds work to enhance the antioxidant count within your body. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites a study in which researchers found that men who consumed 10 or more cups of green tea per day were less likely to develop liver disorders. The active compounds within green tea have been shown to protect the liver from toxin damage. Studies suggest consuming 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day, for a total of 240 to 320 mg of polyphenols. Due to the alkaloid content in green tea, it is important to discuss the use of green tea with your doctor, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine or are currently taking medications.
References
- Hepatitis B Foundation: Your Liver and How It Works
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Garlic"; Steven Ehrlich; November 2008
- "Liver International" Journal"; Allicin, The Active Component of Garlic, Prevents Immune-Mediated, Concanavalin A-Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice"; R. Bruck et al.; June 2005
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; "Folate"; April 2009
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention Journal"; "Blood Folate Levels and Risk of Liver Damage and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Prospective High-Risk Cohort"; Tania Welzel et al.; June 2007
- Colorado State University Cooperative Extension; "Water-Soluble Vitamins"; J. Anderson et al.; August 2008
