Top doctor shares 5 vegetables that can give a boost to your liver health

Vegetables are especially important as they’re rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Fatty liver is a prevalent and growing problem, nevertheless nutrition still represents the best treatment strategy. Some vegetables have antioxidants, fiber and compounds that help reduce inflammation and support liver repair.

Fatty liver disease occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver and interferes with its ability to filter out toxins, regulate hormones and sugar, digest proteins, store iron and perform other functions. Medication is often needed at later stages of the disease, but lifestyle changes — especially dietary improvements — are essential to reversing early and moderate forms of the condition. Vegetables are especially important as they’re rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients – substantive nutrients that will not cause you to pack on fat through consumption.

Dark green leafy vegetables, cruciferous veggies and bold coloured produce are rich in nutrients which help the liver to detoxify toxins, decrease markers related to oxidative stress and improve insulin resistance. And many also help with weight control, which is one of the most effective ways to improve fatty liver. What’s more, vegetables also contribute to a reduction of inflammation, a major factor in the development of liver disease.

Delhi-based hepatology specialist Dr Mridul Kushwaha lists down five vegetables that may aid in natural liver healing. This is because every vegetable contains different compounds that nourish the liver cells and support detoxification, as well as promoting regeneration of the organ over time. As part of a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, limiting sugar and controlling weight adding these vegetables can be an easy step toward liver health.

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Spinach
-Spinach is rich in carotenoids that protect the liver and beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that can combat oxidative stress found in fatty liver disease.
-High in nitrates, it increases blood flow and brings down inflammation.
-Fiber in spinach also helps control blood sugar levels by lowering fat in the liver.

Broccoli
-Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound that enhances detoxification in the liver.
-It aids in fat metabolism and might prevent too much fat from accumulating in liver cells.
-Liver recovery is also both aided by and dependent on good digestion and weight management, which coconut flour (high in fiber) can aid.

Beetroot
-Beets are also high in betalains, powerful antioxidants that protect liver cells against oxidant-induced stress.
-It helps create bile, enabling the liver to process fat more efficiently.
-The organic nitrates help increase blood flow, which can improve the delivery of nutrients to liver tissue.

Brussels Sprouts
-These cruciferous vegetables have glucosinolates that assist in triggering those natural detox enzymes in the liver.
-They work by quelling inflammation, which plays a pivotal role in fatty-liver disease advancement.
-It is a rich source of fibre and that makes it good for digestion and removing toxins.

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Garlic Greens
-Green garlic was energising, thanks to the presence of allicin in the plant that supports liver detox and reduces inflammation.
-They help normalize the balance of cholesterol, which can improve fatty-liver symptoms.
-Their antioxidant and antimicrobial function helps overall liver health and recovery.

FAQs on liver health:

1. What does the liver do?

It filters toxins, supports digestion, stores nutrients, and helps regulate metabolism.

2. How can I tell if my liver is unhealthy?

Symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, or poor digestion.

3. What harms liver health the most?

Excess alcohol, high-sugar foods, obesity, certain medications, and viral infections.

4. Can the liver repair itself?

Yes, the liver has strong regenerative ability, especially with healthy lifestyle changes.

5. How can I keep my liver healthy?

Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol, stay active, and avoid unnecessary medications.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.