Which berries are most beneficial for the liver — Top 7 of the best

Berries are a source of many useful substances for various organs, including the liver, which confirmed by research .

But not all berries are equally useful. Some of them do have hepatoprotective properties and are effective in preventing liver diseases.

Others require a more cautious approach and have a number of limitations with pre-existing liver pathologies.

In addition, traditional medicine offers recipes for the manufacture of medicinal drinks and berry purees, which, according to naturopaths, have the ability to treat various diseases of the liver and other digestive tract, although these statements have not yet been scientifically confirmed.

In this article, we will deal in as much detail as possible with all questions regarding the effect of berries and their products on the digestive tract, including the liver.

Top 7 healthy berries

Each organ needs a constant supply of nutrients to maintain its work: not only proteins and carbohydrates, but also trace elements and vitamins. Berries are an excellent source of biologically active substances and minerals for the liver. But which ones are the most useful?

1. Grape

Grapes are known for their properties of maintaining energy metabolism. But depending on the variety, the content of sugars and acids varies greatly. Grapes have a pronounced choleretic effect.

Due to the high content of vitamins K and C, it Performs antioxidant functions . Pectin, which binds toxic substances and acts as a sorbent.

2. Sea-buckthorn

Sea buckthorn improves the composition of bile, regulates the production of enzymes, which is facilitated by the high content of B vitamins.

Regular use of sea buckthorn promotes the regeneration of liver cells due to the intake of large amounts of phospholipids.

Phytoncides, a large amount of which is contained in sea buckthorn juice, have an anti-inflammatory effect, help in the fight against parasites.

3. Watermelon

One of the distinctive features of watermelon is the presence of a significant amount of water, which determines the positive the effect of watermelon on the liver .

When processing watermelon in the gastrointestinal tract, the digestive organs are washed. This process also applies to the liver: watermelon juice ensures the elimination of toxins .

Due to the presence of folic acid in its composition, watermelon prevents the development of fatty hepatosis. It is indispensable and, if necessary, to eliminate the consequences of drug and alcohol poisoning.

4. Mountain ash

Mountain ash, both black and red, contains many organic acids that Stimulate tissue repair processes . Pectin removes toxins by cleansing liver cells.

Tannins help fight harmful microorganisms. They also activate the outflow of bile.

Essential oils enhance the process of enzyme production, activate the work of ducts. In general, mountain ash has a hepatoprotective effect.

5. Lingonberry

Like mountain ash, cranberries contain many tannins that give it an astringent taste and also have antimicrobial action.

Rich vitamin composition helps to suppress inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract . Citric and malic acids spur the recovery of hepatocytes, liver cells.

Helps cranberries and prevent the appearance of gallstones. Also, the beneficial properties of cranberries should include its ability to adjust metabolic processes.

6. Goji berries

This is a real storehouse of trace elements necessary for the normal production of enzymes in the body. Goji berries contain copper, magnesium, zinc and manganese, which are needed to maintain the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract. Zinc is also involved in the reproduction of hepatocytes.

Goji berries are a source of a number of essential amino acids, serving as a building material for liver tissue .

Ascorbic acid is involved in protecting organs from pathogenic microorganisms, preventing inflammation.

7. Barberry

Barberry fruits contain a large amount of pectin and carotenoids. These substances are necessary for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, help to cleanse internal organs of toxins in a timely manner .

The organic acids and tannins contained in barberry provide support for protecting liver tissue from germs and toxins.

What should be avoided?

Berries do not always become a source of health for internal organs. But there are absolutely no harmful fruits for the liver, except, of course, poisonous ones. In some cases, their use is completely contraindicated in case of liver problems, and sometimes you should only follow some rules of selection and preparation.

1. Cranberries. It contains too many organic acids that irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa. During periods of exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the liver and gall bladder, the use of cranberries is strictly contraindicated. It is dangerous to use it for people suffering from biliary tract obstruction. But as a preventive measure, before the onset of gallstone disease, cranberries are indispensable, because they contain ursolic acid.
2. Cherry. Its sour taste is also due to the presence of a large proportion of citric and malic acids. They act as provocateurs of excessive fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract. Cherries have the ability to stimulate the production of bile, which can lead to its stagnation in case of problems with the excretion of this secret.
3. Gooseberry. The fruits of this prickly shrub are an excellent preventive remedy that strengthens the immune system and prevents anemia. But for people with liver diseases, it is contraindicated because of its irritating effect. Diet table No. 5 classifies it as undesirable products. However, its limited use in the form of compotes is possible.

What can you eat for liver diseases?

Berries can become assistants in the treatment of certain liver diseases. Using their capabilities wisely, it is possible to avoid taking a large number of medications.

1. Cholelithiasis. In this disease, it is recommended to eat frozen mountain ash, goji. But the main assistant will be barberry, thanks to the berberine contained in it. It is dangerous to use fruits that stimulate the production of bile, such as watermelon, grapes. They can provoke the release of stones and the appearance of obstruction of the biliary tract.
2. Cirrhosis. With cirrhosis of the liver, the body is in dire need of vitamins. But sour, unripe fruits should be avoided. You can not eat sour grapes, mountain ash that has not been frozen. The most acceptable option for introducing into the diet will be drinks, jams. Lingonberries and sea buckthorn will be the leaders in efficiency.
3. Hepatosis. Replacing liver tissue with fatty tissue will help stop watermelon and goji fruits. They contribute to the normalization of metabolic processes, stimulate the process of tissue regeneration. Cranberry juice and compotes from winter mountain ash also work well. It is not recommended to eat sour grapes.
4. Liver colic. When this extremely painful symptom occurs, rowan can bring relief. In this state, it should not be consumed fresh, but rowan syrup or strong compote will be a good relaxing remedy.

3 proven folk recipes

In some cases, eating fresh fruits does not give the highest result. Fruit drinks, decoctions, compotes, jellies and purees made from them are much easier to include in the diet because of their better assimilation.

1. Cranberry juice

The cooking process:

1. 300-350 g of fresh or frozen lingonberries, grind to a puree.
2. Then use a sieve to drain the juice into a separate container.
3. Put the strained mass in a saucepan and pour 500 ml of water, pour 2 tablespoons of sugar.
4. Boil for 5 minutes.
5. Use the sieve again and strain the juice, add the previously prepared juice there.
6. Mix it up.

Drink 1 cup at a meal. If the morse seems too sour, you can add another spoonful of sugar.

2. Rowan compote

Is prepared as follows:

1. Put 400 g of frozen mountain ash in a saucepan and pour 1 liter of boiling water.
2. Let it boil again, keep on fire for another 10 minutes.
3. Remove, cool and add a sweetener – sugar or honey.

Drink while eating, you can replace one tea party with it.

3. Sea buckthorn puree

The bones in sea buckthorn can spoil all the pleasure of its taste. When making mashed potatoes, they are easy to get rid of. To do this, rub the ripe sea buckthorn through a sieve, and boil the peeled pulp and juice over low heat for 10 minutes.

Before cooking, add sugar – 1 tbsp.l. per 200 g of sea buckthorn.

You can eat as a dessert – a few tablespoons of mashed potatoes after the main meal.

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Conclusion

The beneficial properties of various berries are undeniable for the prevention and treatment of many gastrointestinal pathologies. Especially their positive effect concerns the liver. They help restore hepatocytes, improve the production and excretion of bile, and cleanse tissues of toxins. They can be consumed both fresh and processed. The general rule of their use is moderation and avoidance of excessively sour fruits.