Coping with the pandemic with booze? Enlist these 6 liver-healthy foods to do some damage control

You’ve got to keep your alcohol intake limited, but what’s the harm in preparing your body with the help of these foods that are good for your liver?
liver health
Your liver needs care. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Sonakshi Kohli Published: 9 Aug 2020, 14:35 pm IST
  • 84

These past few months of the pandemic and lockdown have forced all of us to look for coping strategies. While some of us have taken refuge in cooking or drawing, others have found solace in yoga and mediation. But there are a few folks for whom peace of mind has come in a bottle of alcohol. You know you’re out there–don’t deny it!

While alcohol rarely makes for a good coping strategy, indulging in it when the covid-19 pandemic has made everyone vulnerable is a truly horrible idea. But if nonetheless you’ve gone ahead and done it, then it’s time to do some damage control.

Yes, we’re talking about the damage that alcohol can do to your liver by destroying its cells and scarring the liver, putting you at the risk of getting liver cancer and several other serious health conditions.

Although, there’s no substitute to limiting your alcohol intake to a glass or two a day in order to protect your liver–upping your intake of these 6 foods that are good for your liver can help you to a certain extent:

1. Beetroot juice
Beetroot and its juice happen to be rich in nitrates and antioxidants called betalains. These encourage the production of detoxifying enzymes in the liver, reduce inflammation, and make your liver healthy and strong.

liver healthy foods
Beetroot can do your liver a world of good. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Nuts
As per a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, eating nuts like almonds and walnuts can keep your liver healthy by reducing the inflammation as well as the oxidative stress inside it—thanks to the presence of unsaturated, vitamin E, and antioxidants in them.

3. Cruciferous veggies
From broccoli to cauliflower, cruciferous vegetables can promote the release of healthy enzymes in the liver and can reduce the oxidative stress too, or so, says a study published in the Journal of Food Science. So pounce on that broccoli salad or simply add some pieces of it to your sandwiches and homemade pizzas, we say.

foods good for liver
The humble broccoli is meant to boost your liver health. GIF via Giphy

4. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like berries, grapes, and oranges are packed with antioxidants called polyphenols, which are quite capable of reducing any inflammation in the liver and prevent liver damage. In fact, they can even help cleanse and detoxify your precious liver, thereby ridding it of the harmful toxins from your martinis last night.

5. Oatmeal
A powerhouse of fibre, oatmeal also contains compounds called beta-glucans, which, according to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences can help reduce the amount of fat that gets stored in the liver. This, in turn, can keep the liver healthy and strong.

foods good for liver
Your liver will thank you for your breakfast bowl. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Garlic
Yet another food that helps reduce the amount of fat being stored in the liver is good-old garlic as per a study published in the journal Advanced Biomedical Research. In fact, garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties too can contribute in equipping your liver with the strength it needs to deal with your party-season booze.

Select Topics of your interest and let us customize your feed.

PERSONALISE NOW

 

  • 84
About the Author

Twenty kilos down and struggling to maintain the weight loss by preaching healthy eating, while eating unhealthy every now and then. ...Read More

Next Story