|
14 Best and Worst Foods for Your Liver
1/15
Oatmeal
Food with lots of fiber
can help your liver work at its best. Want one that's a great way to start your
day? Try oatmeal. Research shows it can help you shed some extra pounds and
belly fat, which is a good way to keep away liver disease.
1/15
Stay Away From Fatty Foods
French fries and burgers
are a poor choice to keep your liver healthy. Eat too many foods that are high
in saturated fat and it can make it harder for your liver to do its job. Over
time it may lead to inflammation, which in turn could cause scarring of the
liver that's known as cirrhosis. So next time you're in the drive-thru line,
think about ordering a healthier option.
1/15
Broccoli
Add lots of veggies to
your diet if you want to keep your liver healthy. Broccoli can be part of this
strategy. Some studies suggest this crunchy food can help protect you from
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. If steamed broccoli sounds a little too blah,
shred it into a slaw and toss it with sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and a
tangy vinaigrette. It's also delicious roasted with garlic and a splash of
balsamic vinegar.
1/15
Coffee
If you can't make it
through the day without it, you'll be glad to hear that it may have some
benefits for your liver. Studies show that drinking two to three cups a day can
protect your liver from damage caused by too much alcohol or an unhealthy diet.
Some research suggests it may lower your risk of liver cancer.
1/15
Ease Up on Sugar
Too much of the sweet
stuff can take a toll on your liver. That's because part of its job is to
convert sugar into fat. If you overdo it, your liver makes too much fat, which
ends up hanging around where it doesn't belong. In the long run, you could get a
condition like fatty liver disease. So do your liver a favor and make sweets an
occasional treat.
1/15
Green Tea
It's brimming with a type
of antioxidant called catechins. Research suggests it may protect against some
forms of cancer, including liver. You'll get more catechins if you brew tea
yourself and drink it hot. Iced tea and ready-to-drink green teas have much
lower levels.
1/15
Water
One of the best things
you can do for your liver is keep a healthy weight. Get in the habit of
drinking water instead of sweetened drinks like sodas or sports drinks. You'd
be amazed at how many calories it will save you each day.
1/15
Almonds
Nuts -- especially these
-- are good sources of vitamin E, a nutrient that research suggests may help
protect against fatty liver disease. Almonds are good for your heart, too, so
grab a handful the next time you feel like snacking. Or try them in salads, where
they add a nice crunch.
1/15
Put a Cap on Salt
Your body needs some salt
-- just not nearly as much as you probably get. Early research suggests a diet
high in sodium may lead to fibrosis, which is the first stage of liver
scarring. There are some easy things you can do to cut back. Avoid processed
foods like bacon or deli meats. Choose fresh instead of canned veggies. And
keep temptation at arm's length by taking your salt shaker off the table.
1/15
Spinach
Leafy greens have a
powerful antioxidant called glutathione, which can help keep your liver working
right. And spinach couldn't be easier to prepare. It makes a great base for a
dinner salad, and it's also delicious sauteed with garlic and olive oil. When it's
wilted, top it with a dusting of fresh parmesan.
1/15
Blueberries
They've got nutrients in
them called polyphenols that may help protect you against nonalcoholic fatty
liver disease, which often goes hand in hand with obesity and high cholesterol.
If blueberries aren't your thing, other foods rich in polyphenols include dark
chocolate, olives, and plums.
1/15
Be Moderate With Alcohol
Drinking too much can
wreak havoc on your liver. Over time it can lead to cirrhosis. Even occasional
binge drinking -- four drinks in one sitting for women and five for men -- can
be harmful, too. Try to limit yourself to one drink a day if you're a woman or
two a day if you're a man.
1/15
Herbs and Spices
Want to protect your
liver and your heart at the same time? Sprinkle on some oregano, sage, or
rosemary. They're a good source of healthy polyphenols. An extra benefit: they
help you cut back on salt in many recipes. Cinnamon, curry powder, and cumin
are good ones to try, too.
1/15
Limit Packaged Snack Foods
Next time you feel the
call of the vending machine, reach for a healthy snack instead. The problem
with chips and baked goods is that they're usually loaded with sugar, salt, and
fat. Cutting back is a relatively easy diet tweak with a little planning. One
good strategy: Bring a stash of healthy snacks with you to work. Try an apple
with a single-serve packet of nut butter, or sugar snap peas with a mini-cup of
hummus.
This tool does not provide medical advice
মন্তব্যসমূহ
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন