Vegetables, fruits, nuts and oils that boost functions of the liver

The liver as I have stated is involved in the cleansing and detoxification of all that passes through the stomach and absorbed by the intestines into the blood circulation. To carry out this function, the liver itself must remain continuously cleansed. Being in a state of cleanliness prevents the liver from damage by the acids, toxins and microorganisms that pass through it. Because it may not be possible to entirely rid our diet of these harmful substances, we have to add those fresh, raw vegetables and fruits, grains, nuts, seeds and oils that are helpful to the liver. There are those that contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, co-enzymes and trace elements that are specific to the liver. They both protect and assist the liver in its functions.

Vegetables.
The vegetables most suitable for liver cleansing are the dark green leafy ones.Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, dandelion greens, mustard greens, chicory and bitter gourd have a high content of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll binds and sucks up toxins from the blood. They also have the ability to neutralize heavy metals and chemicals. They help in the production of bile which is useful in transporting toxins from the liver.

Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and water cress. These vegetables help in enzyme production and in particular those that flush out carcinogens. They significantly lower the risk associated with cancer.Carrots and beetroot contain flavonoids and beta-carotene, which help to stimulate and improve liver function. Garlic contains allicin and selenium, both of which help in liver cleansing. They also activate liver enzymes that flush out toxins.

Fruits
The fruits that aid in liver cleansing are the red, yellow and orange ones.Apple, predominantly acts in the intestines to reduce the toxic load of the substances to the liver. The fiber in the apple absorbs a lot of the chemicals and toxins from the nutrients in the intestines before they are absorbed.
Lemon: By its vitamin C content, lemon helps to convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble substances that can easily be eliminated. Lime also plays the same role.

Avocado: Avocado helps in the production of glutathione. Glutathione is the most abundant endogenously produced antioxidant. Direct supplementation with glutathione is not very effective because absorption is very low. Glutathione is synthesize in the body by a combination of L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and glycine. These are all amino acids and the availability of L-Cysteine limits the rate of the reaction and production of glutathione. Supplementation with N-acetyl cysteine is therefore highly indicated.

Grapefruit:The grapefruit plays a role in the biosynthesis of the liver enzymes which are essential for the detoxification function of the liver. The vitamin C and other antioxidants in grape fruit also support the liver in cleansing.

Whole grains and nuts.
Whole grains like whole wheat, whole oats and brown rice, high in the B-complex vitamins, help to decongest the liver and support fat metabolism in the liver. They also play a significant role in energy production in the liver.

Walnuts: There is a high presence of the amino acid arginine in walnuts (the roasted ones sold in shops). Arginine is particularly important in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are considered a great supporter of the overall cleansing ability of the liver because of the high content of arginine, glutathione and omega 3 fatty acids in it.

Others
Olive oil and Flax seed oil
These contain lipids like omega 3 fatty acids, which absorb toxins, thereby reducing the load of toxins getting into the liver.

Green Tea: Green tea contains the plant antioxidant catechin, which assists the liver in its cleansing functions by neutralizing the free radicals. To help the liver in functioning optimally, the sources of toxins, acids, chemicals etc. should be reduced. To do so avoid alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, reduce your intake of animal protein, carbohydrates and fatty foods and stop smoking.