Containing a high amount of glutathione-producing compounds, avocados can actually help boost the ability of the liver to cleanse itself. Research has also shown that consuming one or two avocados per week for as little as 30 days can make a significant difference to the state of your liver health.
The liver is a such a powerhouse organ, and is responsible for aiding the body's digestion, clearing and activating hormones, storing glucose for energy, metabolising proteins and fats, and breaking down toxins. Given the liver’s instrumental role in many of the body’s functions, we want to ensure that we are giving the liver the tender loving care that it deserves. And in doing so we can restore our natural vitality inside and out.
This is where a liver “cleanse” or “detox” comes in!
What is a liver “detox” and do I need one?
If your liver has been overworked, is sluggish, or even diseased, it won’t be able to perform its natural functions. A liver cleanse or detox is designed to stimulate your liver's ability to clean toxic waste from the body to ensure optimal function. Hear at Edible Beauty we believe in the importance of supporting our bodies by providing it with natural and holistic solutions to its concerns, so we have put together a list of our favourite liver-loving foods to help cleanse the liver naturally.
When your liver has been overworked or is a little sluggish, you will start to notice the effects in your complexion and overall health.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, your body may be telling you it’s time to give your liver a little bit of TLC:
Breakouts
Oily skin
Dull complexion
Feeling sluggish
Bloating
foggy /light headed
Lack of energy
Irritability
Hear at Edible Beauty we believe in the importance of supporting our bodies by providing it with natural and holistic solutions to its concerns, so we have put together a list of our favourite liver-loving foods to help cleanse the liver naturally. What does this mean for your skin, which is the body's largest organ and often where the physical results of a compromised liver show? A clearer complexion and a vibrant natural glow!
Here are 10 of the top liver-loving foods to add to your diet and let the results speak for themselves…
10 foods to naturally cleanse your liver
1. Bitter Greens
When it comes to the liver, you can follow the motto that “bitter is best”. Greens such as arugula, rocket, radicchio, rocket leaves, dandelion, spinach, chicory and mustard leaves are wonderful liver toners. They will help to increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood. These bitter greens will also assist you in digesting your meal, hence their consumption is ideal just prior to meals. If you really want to get the maximum benefit of bitters in your daily diet, munch on a few leaves before your meal, and they will act as a great aperitif.
2. Garlic
Garlic has an incredible healing powder both on the liver and immune system. It is full of numerous sulfur-containing compounds that are known to activate liver enzymes, which help the body flush out toxins. It is particularly rich in allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing and play an integral role in the protection of the liver from damage. The enzyme which activates allicin is deactivated when garlic is cooked and is activated when crushed so you need to eat your garlic chopped/crushed and raw in order to get its benefits. If you find it hard to get down raw (chopped in small pieces in a shot of water does work for some) you can crush it and add it to some olive oil and a teaspoon to your meal/salad or experiment with exotic garlic-based dips such as toum (a Middle Eastern garlic dip) or garlic aioli.
3. Cabbage
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Cabbage is very rich in sulforaphane, a molecule which works by stimulating the production of glutathione, the body’s most important internally produced antioxidant, which plays a role in liver detoxification and may also play a role in inhibiting tumour growth. Cabbage is also high in fibre which provides it with excellent cholesterol-lowering benefits. The fibre-related components in cabbage do a better job of binding together with bile acids in your digestive tract when they’ve been steamed, so steam your cabbage rather than eat it raw.
4. Avocados
Avocados have been shown to naturally protect and repair your liver. Containing a high amount of glutathione-producing compounds, avocados can actually help boost the ability of the liver to cleanse itself. Research has also shown that consuming one or two avocados per week for as little as 30 days can make a significant difference to the state of your liver health. Try adding in some fresh avocados to your next salad or whip up avocado guacamole with just three simple ingredients – avocado, lemon juice and olive oil, which are all wonderful for the skin too.
5. Globe Artichoke
Made primarily of a compound called caffeoylquinic acid, the globe artichoke has powerful liver regeneration properties, similar to the super liver herb St Mary’s thistle. Globe artichoke has a powerful effect on the production of bile and fat-digesting enzymes, stimulating liver function and lowering cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, with less cholesterol being synthesised in the liver and more being eliminated. A Mediterranean homemade recipe uses fresh artichoke leaf juice mixed with wine or water as a liver tonic. You can add artichokes to your salads or make your own artichoke antipasto by storing in olive oil and vinegar.
6. Beetroot
Beetroot is a blood-purifying tonic that is also capable of absorbing heavy metals. It is packed with iron, calcium, betaine, B vitamins and antioxidants too, making it an excellent liver tonic. Beets also improve liver function by thinning the bile, allowing it to flow more freely through the liver and into the small intestine. The colour pigment in beetroot (and other purple foods) strongly binds electrons and hydrogen and with this can also reactivate the production of cellular oxidative energy which is often low in those with cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome. Avoid eating canned beetroot as it is often full of sugar and processed. A delicious way to enjoy beetroot is raw and grated with carrots and apple cider or balsamic vinegar. Eating beetroot in its raw state ensures its glycaemic index is kept low and its nutrients are kept intact.
7. Sprouts
Rich in antioxidants, one cup of Brussels sprouts has more than 150% of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) of vitamin C and more than 200% of the RDA for Vitamin K. Vitamin K deficiency is a common cause of liver problems. Broccoli and alfalfa sprouts are also good sources of Vitamin K. Vitamin C also protects the liver and other organs against free radical damage.
8. Turmeric
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Turmeric is a wonder root for the liver! It has been shown to effectively treat liver congestion, jaundice, and is often used in chronic hepatitis. Turmeric also increases the production of bile and improves gall bladder function with normalising and long-lasting effects. Taken in medicinal doses, it can be used to help flush the gall bladder of stones and sediment. Add a teaspoon of turmeric to your daily smoothie, porridge or to your main meal. If you require a therapeutic dose, speak to a naturopath or nutritionist about supplementing with turmeric.
9. Lemon
The juice of half a lemon first thing in the morning is a time-honoured way to start the day and is an excellent wake-up call for the liver. The sourness of lemons triggers nerve and hormone activation to the liver and digestive system. It is also very helpful for those who suffer from sluggish bowels. Some experts have also stated that the liver produces more enzymes in response to water with lemon than to any other food!
10. St Mary’s Thistle
St Mary’s Thistle is truly an incredible herb when it comes to the liver. It has the ability to regenerate and heal and is such a gentle herb that it can be recommended for long term use. It is packed with antioxidants and has been clinically proven to lower specific liver enzymes often tested in standard blood tests that indicate liver damage. With more research in modern western herbal medicine, our understanding of Milk Thistle’s clinical use has widened to include reducing cholesterol, stabilising blood glucose levels, treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver damage from alcohol and drugs. Milk thistle tea can be consumed daily (and is present in our Green Goddess Detox Tea) however if you require a therapeutic dose, please speak with your naturopath or natural healthcare professional.
Up your liver detox game with our Beauty Detox Shot
The Edible Beauty & Beauty Detox Shot is designed to support the normal function of your liver, to help promote a healthy complexion from the inside out. The elixir contains liver loving ingredients such as Globe Artichoke, Turmeric and Bitter herbs which are fantastic for boosting liver enzymes and encouraging detoxification.
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