The liver is there to help cleanse the body of toxins found in food and also outside sources that get into the body, such as chemicals or smoke. You can return the favor by helping the liver out with liver-aiding foods. There are foods that can protect the liver from any damage and also help the liver process work better in your body.
High Fiber Foods
Food high in fiber not only helps the liver function properly, but also helps it transport fatty toxins out of the body. Fiber binds to bile in the large intestine for slow and proper digestion. The liver then performs its duties, cleansing the body and providing you with essential nutrients. Vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts provide plenty of fiber to promote liver health. Eat healthy portions of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, artichokes, rhubarb, radishes, Brussels sprouts, garlic, onions and turnips. Apples, bananas, oranges, pears and berries are good fruit sources of fiber. Whole-grain products are excellent sources of fiber. Eat whole-grain crackers or a handful of nuts as healthy, high-fiber snacks to help the liver.
Vitamin-Rich Foods
B-complex vitamins along with vitamins A and E are packed with liver-aiding properties, according to The Diet Channel. They work to protect the liver as well as treat damage to the liver. Fruits that contain lots of vitamin C include strawberries, citrus fruit, papaya and kiwi fruit. Eat vitamin C veggies such as asparagus, peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, red cabbage and cauliflower. Vitamin E can be found in almonds, walnuts, avocados, asparagus, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and whole grains. Almonds, peanuts, pine nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, wild rice and brown rice are rich in B-complex vitamins.
Amino Acids
Choline is a soluble compound that helps prevent fat from being deposited in the liver. Methionine is an amino acid in proteins that protect the liver and help flush away fat-soluble toxins through urine. Get plenty of choline through fish, peanuts, cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage, brown rice, lentils and soybeans. Methionine can be found in egg yolks, red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, seeds, whole grains and beans.
Condiments
People may immediately think of ketchup or mustard when adding condiments to their favorite meals. But those products may contain too much sugar and corn syrup. There are healthier condiments to help with digestion and aid liver function, according to Northwestern Health Sciences University. Tantalize your foods with healthy salsa, fresh parsley, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sauerkraut and bitter melon.
