Your liver is one of the most important organs within your body as it is responsible for filtering bacteria and waste from your blood as well as controlling the production and use of the digestive enzyme, bile. Did you know that your liver is comprised of over 300 billion cells, and if your liver fails you can sustain life for only 24 to 48 hours? Due to the importance of your liver, it is vital that you consume specific foods to help promote liver rejuvenation and overall health. Within this article, I outline several foods proven to be effective at rejuvenating your liver by modern scientific studies.
Green Leafy Vegetables:
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, arugla and turnip greens contain a high concentration of the water-soluble B vitamin known as folate.
Folate is one of the most important vitamins when it comes to your liver. So much so, low folate levels are directly linked to those with liver disease. According to a study published by the National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, patients with hepatitis experienced less liver damage when they consumed a high folate diet.
While scientific studies are currently underway to understand the true protective value folate from green leafy vegetables has on your liver, initial evidence is promising.
Garlic:
Garlic is one of the most commonly used herbs in cooking, and its use as not only a food additive but also a medicine dates back thousands of years. The compound known by researchers to provide this herb its medicinal quality is a sulfer-compound known as alliin, or allicin.
It is believed by researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center that garlic benefits your body due to its high antioxidant concentration. A study outlined by the University of Maryland found that liver cancer patients experience d significant increase in liver function and immune system functionality after supplementing with garlic extract for six months.
Another study found in the journal “Liver International,” found that the primary compound in garlic, allicin, protected rat livers from damage caused by immune-related diseases.
Green Tea:
Did you know that green tea is the secondly-most consumed beverage in the world, just behind water? Its primary active compounds are known as catechins, which work by eliminating free radicals from your body.
According to information published by the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers discovered men who drank more than 10 cups of green tea per day showcased a significant risk reduction in developing various liver disorders.
Initial studies have found that the primary constituents in green tea directly protect liver cells from damage due to toxins. While the exact dosage level can vary, drinking two to three cups of freshly brewed green tea per day is generally considered the most effective dosage. However, if you are sensitive to stimulants, discuss the use of green tea with your doctor due to its alkaloid content.
References Used:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/garlic-000245.htm
University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15910499
Liver International Journal: Allicin…
http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/16/6/1279.abstract
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention Journal: Blood Folate Levels and Risk of Liver Damage…
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm
University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09312.html
Colorado State University: Water-Soluble Vitamins
