Do you remember your mother telling you to eat all your vegetables?  Vegetables give you strength and provide some necessary vitamins that are essential to good health.  There are also vegetables that help your body maintain a healthy liver.  Your liver is the detoxifier for your body.  Without a properly functioning liver, toxins can build up in your body to dangerous levels.

Of all of the human organs, your liver is one of the most important.  Your liver controls your metabolism and in turn determines how well your digestive system operates.  It stores sugars, minerals and vitamins necessary for other organs to operate effectively and also cleanses your blood through detoxifying the poisons out of your system.  Your liver is the largest gland in your body and eating foods high in antioxidants will help optimize your liver’s performance by cleansing the effects that free radicals have on the liver.

Vegetable that are rich in beta carotene like beets and carrots help with the detoxification process and protect against liver disease.  Garlic is rich in antioxidants so it also is very helpful in maintaining a healthy liver because it helps the body get rid of mercury and certain food additives.  Artichokes help to increase bile production which helps remove toxins through the bowels. Drinking freshly squeezed lemons in a cup of hot water each day is a good way to detoxify your liver.

Foods that are rich in Vitamins B, C and E are also helpful for your liver.  Broccoli, spinach and brown rice contain B vitamins.  Tomatoes, mustard greens, peppers, and brussel sprouts are good sources of vitamin C.  Almonds, avocado, asparagus and tomatoes are rich in vitamin E.  Vitamin B12 helps metabolize fat which also helps liver function.  Fish, eggs, meat and milk contain Vitamin B12.

Foods that are high in fiber are also good for your liver.  These include rice and whole grain breads which help with digestion. Romaine lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower are also good for cleansing the liver.  Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as sardines, tuna, and salmon are very good for your liver.  For maintaining a healthy liver you should avoid foods that are high in alcohol or caffeine.  Foods that are high in saturated animal fats like hamburgers are not good because they increase the levels of a liver enzyme called alanine aminotransferase, or ALT.  A high level of this enzyme is a sign of liver damage.  If your liver is functioning poorly then it could result in headaches, allergies, bad breath, skin problems, weight gain and lack of energy. Be kind to your liver and it will be kind to you.