10 plant-based foods that aid in liver detoxification

These plant-based foods will help amplify the detoxification process and give you healthy skin and hair.

If you’re active on social media then you’ve probably seen most of the liver memes. “My liver when I suddenly drink water…” or “My liver is going to be mad at me after a night of drinking” etc. Your liver may not be the largest organ in the body but it does work overtime to keep you healthy. This includes skin health as well. Your liver helps eliminate all the toxins from the body and we aren’t only referring to your weekend drinking. Whatever you eat, drink and breathe — it’s the liver’s job to filter them out. *A lot of work for a tiny organ.* With such a huge responsibility, sometimes it does tend to get a bit overworked and your body might need a little help when it comes to the liver detoxification process.

Enter: Detox products. These products don’t start the detox process within the body *your body is well capable of doing it on its own* but instead, it enhances the process. So, do you need expensive brands to give your liver a little boost? Not at all! Keep on reading to find out which 10 plants aid in liver detoxification.

The Liver and Detox

So what happens within the body and how is it related to your skin? In simple terms, the liver acts as a blood purifier and eliminates the toxins while storing the vitamins and minerals which is later redistributed throughout the body. The liver also produces bile that removes the waste. Once fats enter the small intestine, then this bile is eliminated from the liver. Unfortunately, when your liver is overworked, your skin has to pay the price. This happens in the form of flare-ups or other skin issues. In worse case scenarios, a severely damaged liver can also lead to liver cancer.

10 Foods That Aid In Liver Detoxification

If you want glowing, radiant skin, it’s time to pay attention to your liver and you can do that by upgrading your diet. We’ve noted down 10 plants that give your liver the boost it needs to amplify the detoxification process.

Carrots

Carrots are good for your eyes but did you know that they are also good for the liver. If you’re looking to give your liver a good cleanse, include carrots in your diet as they are rich in carotenoids. This helps keep your liver healthy by stimulating bile to flow, in turn, eliminating the waste from the body. A great way to consume carrots is in your salads or you can also indulge in a delicious carrot smoothie.

Asparagus

These long, stem-like looking plants may not seem like much but they can work wonders for your body. Asparagus is not only high in antioxidants but also contains glutathione. This component aids in the detoxification process and helps eliminate poisons and toxins from the liver, lungs, intestines and kidneys.

Green Leafy Vegetables

You’ve heard about the benefits of chlorophyll for the skin but did you know that it has liver benefits as well. This simple pigment can help absorb the toxins in the body and purify the blood. Certain studies have also shown that consumption of chlorophyll can prevent the cancer-causing effects of aflatoxin on the liver.

Broccoli

Broccoli comes under the Cruciferous vegetable list along with Brussel sprouts and mustard greens. These veggies are high in fibre, help increase the levels of detoxification enzymes and protect the liver from damage. Whether you choose to have them plain or add them to your salad, there’s no doubt that you can benefit from consuming this plant regularly.

Sweet Potatoes

If sweet potatoes are your favourite monsoon snack, then keep eating them. This food is best if you want to improve gut health as it is rich in fibre and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes also have four times the recommended daily intake of Beta-Carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A. This later helps flush out the toxins while reducing fat in the liver.

Lentils

Green moong, dal, chickpeas etc. come under the lentils family. These foods are rich in fibre and aid in the liver detoxification process. They not only provide the body with the necessary amount of proteins but are also easy to digest.

Garlic

If you thought garlic’s main role was to add flavour to your meals, then you’re in for a surprise. Garlic is rich in nutrients like allicin and selenium which is a blessing for your liver. While allicin protects the immune system from outside invaders, selenium, on the other hand, is a naturally detoxifying mineral. Since your liver already has such a huge responsibility, these two components help lighten the load. Garlic also helps activate the enzymes that improve your overall digestion and flush out toxins.

Onions

Whether you enjoy having onions in your soups, stir-fries, or salad, it will give your liver the boost it needs. Onions are known to control blood sugar regulation. They contain certain compounds like quercetin which have antidiabetic effects. But that’s not all. They also contain sulphur-like amino acids, which aid in your liver detoxification process.

Lemons

Lemons are rich in vitamin C and as we all know, this vitamin is great for achieving the skin we desire. But the antioxidants in lemons also help produce more enzymes that aid in digestion and give you more energy. The components present in lemons help neutralize toxins, excrete waste, and jump-start your entire digestive process. This is why many health gurus encourage you to drink lemon water the moment you wake up in the morning. It’s not just a fad as it’s been proven to benefit your skin and aid in liver detoxification.

Beets

This vegetable is famously known for cleansing the blood which in turns boosts liver function. Folate, fibre, iron, betaine, betalains and betanin are just some of the nutrients that can help your liver, body and skin. If you aren’t fond of eating beets, you can always indulge in a post-workout smoothie consisting of beets, apples and ginger.

Your liver plays a huge role when it comes to maintaining a healthy body and skin, so go and give it what it needs.