The largest organ in the human body, the liver performs more than 500 functions, including digestion of proteins, mineral shelters, bile production and blood filtration. Despite its value, liver disease increases worldwide. Life factors, including diet, play a crucial role in liver health. Dr. Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist based in Florida, shared about three vegetables that he includes in his diet to enhance liver function. Let’s see. Broccoli
The first vegetables in the list of Doctor Salhab – broccoli. Opened vegetables, including broccoli, are known for their protective liver effects. Broccoli is rich in sulfarophane, natural compounds associated with improving the processes of liver detox. The 2015 study showed that broccoli extract significantly reduces the level of ALT and gamma-glutamine-transpecile (γ-GTP) in men with fat liver disease, which improved liver function. For those who do not like broccoli, the doctor suggested: “If you don’t like broccoli, you can probably get the same benefit from some other cruciform vegetables such as cabbage, cabbage or Brussels.”Beet
Beetroot is another vegetable that a gastroenterologist includes in his diet. “Beets contain what is called Betalein. And Betaleins are what gives it a reddish-twisted collar. Betaleins reduce oxidative stress in the liver. And it allows it to heal,” said a doctor shared in Instagram. Beets are a great option for those who fight liver disease, including fat. The meta-analysis of 2023 showed that the supplements for beet juice significantly reduce the liver enzymes Alanine-Aminatransferase (ALT) and the aminotransferase (AST) aspartate, which are key markers of liver stress, in patients with NAFLD. This vegetable can also improve serious liver conditions, such as liver steatosis, where excess fat is stored in the liver. Beets are also rich in folate and manganese that improve metabolic processes in the liver. You can either fry, juice or beetroot in salads to improve liver health.Artichoke
Artichokes are also rich in antioxidants and is said to be rich in polyphenol, quercetin and rutin that protect cells from oxidizing damage. They also contain vitamin C, lutealin and Silimarine, which have powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Yes, it can be a surprise for you. But who knew something as wonderful as artichokes can improve the liver function! Doctor Salhab called artichokes as “one of the best liver health products” from the high -level antioxidants. “We have some good evidence that artichokes are one of the best liver foods. And it is because they have what is called Cyanurin, which is a powerful antioxidant for the liver,” the doctor said. This antioxidant helps liver cells to recover, as well as improve bile production, which helps in the breakdown of fats and removal of toxins. “I like to do it as spreading and putting it on sourdough bread. And that’s the perfect lunch,” he adds.
