Feel free to see the liver as a workaholic as it is really a busy guy. From bile production and excretion, metabolism of proteins (carbohydrates and fats), to enzyme activation, there is so much that your liver gets done to keep you healthy.
For all its trouble, it is only fair that you prioritize the health and optimal functionality of your liver. Caring for your liver spans having a healthy lifestyle and eating the right foods and drinks.
And yes, your liver loves fruits! In this guide, I will tell you four fruits that your liver is screaming for you to have in your fridge.
Your liver wants you to get grapefruit
Your liver cherishes grapefruits. Why wouldn’t it when grapefruits have a wealthy bank of antioxidants (like naringin and naringenin) that protects your liver? This can either be by directing protecting the cells or suppressing inflammation.
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Animal studies have reinforced the liver protective capacity of naringin and naringenin. Such antioxidants have proven effective in cutting down the development of hepatic fibrosis.
The latter commonly results in chronic inflammation owing to the coagulation of connective tissue in the liver.
“Come on, buy that prickly pear”, your liver says
When it comes to edible cactus, very few are as popular as prickly pear. From time immemorial, prickly pear has sealed its therapeutic reputation in traditional medicine.
In such alternative medical practices, prickly pear is deployed in treating fatigue, wounds, ulcers, and liver malfunctions.
An insightful study carried out on 55 participants revealed that prickly pear extracts reduced hangover symptoms. These participants were found to be 50% less likely to feel severe hangover if they took prickly pear extract before ingesting alcohol.
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Given that the liver primarily executes alcohol detoxification, the reduced hangover effects were attributed to subsided inflammation.
Get cranberries and blueberries in your fridge
Just like cranberries, blueberries are rich in antioxidants. One of such principal antioxidants contained in these berries is anthocyanins. Cranberries and blueberries owe anthocyanins their unique deep purple color.
Many studies have augmented the capacity of these berries in sustaining liver health. More than that, blueberries raise the antioxidant enzyme content in the body and amplify immune cell response.
Research has also found that you can fortify your liver against damage by taking cranberries and blueberries for three straight weeks.
Studies in rats showed that the antioxidants in blueberries and cranberries effectively reduce the development rate of fibrosis and lesions and slow down the growth of scar tissue.
All these explain why your liver wants a sizable bunch of these berries in your fridge and then on your plate.
Grapes are fantastic for your liver
Oh, you felt you are the only one who loves grapes? Your liver loves them too! Purple and red grapes are incredibly beneficial to your liver health, thanks to the plant compound these grapes boast.
One of such vital compounds is resveratrol. This compound protects your liver against alcohol, cholestatic, and chemical damage.
There is even more. Resveratrol enhances glucose metabolism, suppresses the development of liver fibrosis, and also improves your lipid profile. Resveratrol can also disrupt hepatic cell fatty acid composition. It sounds like an angel, right?
Further animal studies have pointed to the efficacy of these grapes in reducing inflammation, raising antioxidant content, and protecting against liver damage.
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Grapeseed has also shown curative promise as whole grapes. Studies conducted across participants (with nonalcoholic fatty liver change) have revealed that grapeseed supplements for 12 weeks significantly improved liver function.
Being that grapeseed extract is concentrated, it may not produce the exact results as that anticipated from whole grapes ingestion.
In all, these are four fruits that are incredibly supportive of your liver health. And to think that they don’t cost a fortune shows that keeping your liver healthy doesn’t have to cost you your financial health either. Stay healthy and stay happy!
