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This article was first published 13 years ago

10 foods that detoxify your liver

Last updated on: May 10, 2011 16:14 IST

Image: Garlic
Aparupa Saikia, Lifemojo

The liver is the body's most important organ, as it helps in expelling toxins which enter the system through foods. Detoxification is the procedure of removing these toxins out of our bodies. It's important to provide the liver with foods that enhance its detoxification abilities.

The liver works extra hard to eject the toxins and damaged fats that we consume through everyday food substances. Here are ten detoxifying foods that will help the liver in its detoxification work.

1. Garlic and onions

A bulb or two of roasted garlic should be included in your diet every week. It can be preserved in your refrigerator, and used in your cooking. Saute some garlic with steamed spinach and fresh lemon juice. Red onions are also excellent detox foods.

Caramelize some sliced onions using some cooking spray on a saucepan and add it to any of your food preparations like sandwiches, omelets, and in salads.

Garlic along with canned garbanzo beans (which are also excellent detox foods), some tahini and olive oil and lemon juice will make an excellent dip and is good for health.

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2. Cruciferous vegetables

Image: Broccoli

Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Bak Choy, water cress, green collards, Kale and Kohlrabi are all excellent foods that aid detox and should be definitely a part of your daily menu.

Try to include these cruciferous vegetables in your salads, or saute them to make your favorite dish.

3. Whole grains

Image: Whole grains

Whole grains provide you with lots of dietary fiber, so include the old fashioned oatmeal in your breakfast menu. It is an excellent detox for the liver. Other whole grains foods that help the liver to detox are brown rice, garbanzo beans, sprouted wheat berries, hulled barley and all other whole grains.

You can cook your whole grains along with your vegetables or use the flour of these whole grains to make breads.

4. Turmeric (Haldi)

Image: Turmeric (Haldi)

Turmeric (Haldi) is extensively used in Indian and South East Asian cooking for ages. Turmeric has antiseptic properties and is an excellent food substance that helps liver in its detox processes.

Turmeric can be used to prepare many dishes and used as a seasoning.

5. Berries

Image: Strawberries
Include plenty of berries in your daily diet. The berries you need to include are strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. They can be made into smoothies or milk shakes. Add them to your breakfast cereals.

6. Green tea

Image: Green tea

The Chinese have supported drinking green tea for ages and it is an excellent detox food that helps the liver function more efficiently.

Drink lots of green tea all through the day and not only will your body detox, you will be surprised to see your body fat melting away.

7. Yogurt

Image: Yogurt

Yogurt is the wonder food that's not only good for your stomach but it is also an excellent detox food that helps the liver to rid the body of toxins.

Include yogurt in your daily diet and you'll be able to see the difference in your health.

8. Nuts, legumes and seeds

Image: Nuts

Beans, nuts seeds, lentils and peas should all be included in your diet daily. These are detox foods that help the liver to flush out unwanted toxins. Sprinkle some nuts or seeds over your salads or use them extensively in your cooking.

Nuts can be eaten raw as snack foods too.

9. Soy

Image: Soy milk

Soy foods are excellent detox foods, so drink up soy milk everyday either sweetened or unsweetened. You can make soy smoothies or add soy milk to your breakfast cereals. Flavoured soy milk is available in supermarkets.

Include soybeans in your cooking and tofu is an excellent food that helps in detoxification.

10. Red grapes

Image: Red grapes

Did you know that red grapes have excellent detox properties and they help the liver expel waste products? Eat them fresh or add them to your fruit salads.

These detox foods items can help in keeping your liver healthy and running, increasing your lifespan in the process. Avoid alcohol and other food items or beverages that are harmful for the liver, as these will cause problems over a period of time.