Which vegetables are most beneficial for the liver — the 10 best options

The human body gets rid of toxins on its own. And one of the main roles in this process is played by the liver, which acts as a kind of filter. Therefore, maintaining it in a healthy state is the most important aspect of overall health care for the entire body.

Research indicates the fact that eating vegetables reduces the risk of developing many liver diseases even more than eating fruits. But not all vegetables are equally healthy.

So which vegetables should be included in the diet for liver health, and most importantly – what is their benefit? And which vegetables are better to give up or at least reduce their consumption in food? All the answers are in our article.

Top 10 Healthiest vegetables

Healthy for the liver are foods that are rich in vitamins B, C, E, A, as well as minerals, but at the same time contain a minimum of fats. The presence of antioxidants in the blood is also important for this organ – these substances significantly slow down the oxidation of liver cells. Which vegetables contain these trace elements in the greatest amount?

1. Beetroot

Beetroot contains a large portion of iron, vitamin C, and fiber. And beetroot juice is often used to cleanse the liver, since this vegetable not only has a choleretic effect, but also it acts as a hepatoprotector .

Beetroot is one of the few vegetables that do not lose their beneficial and nutritious properties during heat treatment.

9 more facts about the benefits of beetroot for the liver can be found here →

2. Garlic

Due to the presence of a wide range of phytoncides and vitamin C in the composition, the use of garlic will help suppress the spread of infectious and fungal diseases that often affect the liver.

Along with this regular eating garlic is good for the liver , because it helps to normalize the volume of the organ, which affects the improvement of its filtration function and blood supply.

3. Pumpkin

Doctors recommend eating pumpkin fresh, using it to prepare various kinds of salads (the flesh itself can be combined with apple cider vinegar – it will turn out very tasty).

The main benefit of pumpkin is that it reduces cholesterol levels in the blood well, which prevents the development of many liver diseases.

Another important nuance is that this vegetable belongs to dietary, it can be consumed even with strict diets.

13 more positive properties of pumpkin for the liver, see here →

4. Melon

At least Melon is good for liver health , in some chronic diseases – she is strictly contraindicated (for example, with urolithiasis).

The main benefit of melon is the high concentration of potassium in the pulp, which is used in regulating water–salt metabolism.

But you should not abuse it, since excess potassium is also quite harmful to the body.

5. Corn

Corn, and especially corn stigmas , they give a strong choleretic effect, enhance blood flow, and at the same time cleanse the intestines of accumulated toxins. Finally – the body is quickly cleansed of toxins , which "unloads" the liver.

In addition to corn itself and corn stigmas, it is useful to eat products based on corn flour or cereals (for breakfast, with dried fruits).

6. Carrots

Doctors claim that regular consumption of carrots, even in small quantities, significantly reduces the risk of developing gallstone disease.

Along with this, carrots are good for the liver and the fact that Accelerates cell regeneration . It is often used in various diets aimed at cleansing the liver of toxins.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes belong to one of the the most powerful antioxidants , preventing the oxidation and subsequent destruction of liver cells. And to achieve this effect, it is enough to consume only 50 grams of tomatoes fresh every day.

It is only worth remembering that in case of stomach or duodenal ulcer, tomatoes are better to give up.

For more information about the benefits and harms of tomatoes, see here →

8. Cucumbers

Key useful property of cucumbers is the inhibition of the process of transformation of carbohydrates to fat cells, which prevents the formation of fatty replacement tissue in the liver.

Moreover, nutritionists recommend including cucumber juice in the diet – it is a light product and it can be drunk even with stomach ulcers.

9. Sea cabbage

Seaweed is rich in vitamin B ₁₂ , which is actively used by the liver. Doctors say that with a deficiency of this vitamin, the liver very often increases in volume.

But it should be borne in mind that the composition of seaweed also includes a large amount of iodine, which can harm some diseases of the cardiovascular system.

In general, before adding seaweed to the diet, you should consult with a nutritionist or gastroenterologist.

10. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is rich in potassium, which helps regulate the water-salt balance and, as a result, – reduce the concentration of sodium in the blood . Namely, sodium in excess acts as the strongest toxin (affecting, first of all, the liver).

Thus, cauliflower should be eaten to prevent liver disease.

What should be avoided?

But the following vegetables can have a negative effect on liver function:

1. Ginger. Though extremely useful for the cardiovascular system - it is usually an excessive load for the liver, as it gives a very powerful choleretic effect.
2. Onion. Despite its positive properties – onions in large quantities harm the liver , as it accelerates the oxidation of cells. Green onions are more harmful, but if you eat only 5-10 grams of it per day (which is exactly how much is required for most salads), then there will be no negative impact.
3. Bell pepper. With regular use, it increases the amount of bile synthesized by the liver by almost 30% (which will turn out in excess).
4. Sorrel. Is rich in oxalic acid, which upsets the balance of potassium and sodium in the body in favor of the latter. Regular consumption of sorrel provokes the formation of stones in the choleretic ducts.
5. Horseradish. Is rich in vitamin C, but acts as a choleretic. And nutritionists claim that eating horseradish can provoke overeating due to a sharp increase in appetite. In general, it is better to abandon it in favor of the same mustard – it is less harmful.

 

Features of use in diseases

In certain diseases affecting the functionality of the liver, pancreas and digestive tract, it is necessary to adhere to specialized diets. All of them are aimed at reducing the load on the organ, reducing the amount of fat consumed, as well as providing the body with fiber.

For example, it is important to know which vegetables can be eaten with cirrhosis of the liver, and which ones cannot. With cirrhotic lesions the following vegetables must be excluded from the diet : spinach, radishes, legumes, garlic and green onions, turnips. But pumpkin, cucumbers and carrots, on the contrary, are included in almost every meal.

And with hepatosis, you can not eat legumes (including peas), sorrel, spinach, turnips, and tomatoes from vegetables. You can have melons, carrots and corn. But the final menu should definitely be discussed with a nutritionist or gastroenterologist.

Conclusion

In total, almost all vegetable crops are beneficial for liver health, since they are practically free of toxins, cholesterol, and trans fats. At the same time, regular consumption of vegetables provides the body with fiber, which facilitates the work of the digestive system and reduces the amount of necessary bile (it is synthesized by the liver), which indirectly "unloads" the liver and accelerates the regeneration of new cells.