How about a spring cleaning for your body? Here are five healthy foods to cleanse your body. Each has properties that fortify and cleanse the liver. Since your liver is a critical organ that performs many essential functions in the body, such as eliminating toxins, make sure its in top working condition.
Garlic
Whether you eat it raw in guacamole or cook it up in spaghetti sauce, garlic helps activate enzymes that can flush out toxins.
Lemon
The high amounts of vitamin C in lemons help cleanse the body of toxic material. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to water to improve digestion and strengthen liver enzymes. This refreshing drink will alleviate heart burn, provide electrolytes and alkalize the body. Have you had your lemon squeeze today?
Avocado
The antioxidant glutathione is produced in avocados, which the liver uses to filter out contaminants. Add avocado to salads, sandwiches and smoothies to naturally protect and repair your liver.
Dandelion GreensBitter greens like dandelion and mustard help detox the kidneys and liver. Saute the greens with olive oil, lemon and garlic for a delicious cleansing side dish.
Beets
This root vegetable contains flavonoids, which improves the overall functions of the liver. Add beets to your vegetable juice or smoothie for a sweet, earthy flavor. Did you know that beets come in many colors (red, orange and yellow) and patterns? Yes, patterns! I love the candy cane striped beets (chioggia) with an especially sweet flavor.
Here are a few amazing facts about the liver:
- Its the largest organ in the body
- The liver is the only organ that can grow back after surgery or injury
- It is second only to the brain in complexity
- It performs over 500 functions for the body
Treat your liver well!
What did you learn about the liver that surprised you?
Yummy foods, and so good for you! Well, to be honest, I never ate dandelion greens.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, Thanks for your comment. Dandelion greens are perfect for juicing with other greens or adding to a smoothie.
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