The liver is an extremely important organ in the body with a long list of responsibilities. While all organs have an important role, the liver assists in a host of integral functions, here are a few of the it’s primary contributions

Circulation: The liver plays a big role in the transfer of blood throughout the body. It handles blood storage and regulation, and, consequently, is responsible for our cellular nourishment. Every cell is dependent upon the liver’s ability to sustain and nourish the blood.

Metabolism: The liver has a broad metabolic role, being involved in vitamin and mineral, protein, and fat metabolism, storing nutrients, and the production of metabolic heat.

Detoxification: The liver is responsible for the removal of foreign bodies, or toxins, from the blood. It also assists in the oxidation of the blood, which in turn, provides energy to cells.

Excretion: The liver forms produces the bile necessary for digestion and cleanses the blood, removing ammonia, and excreting metals, dyes, and other substances from the blood. When we overload our bodies with those favored vices, it’s our liver that pays the price.

Production: The liver is a rather active manufacturing plant, forming urea, glycogen, and blood coagulating proteins.

Hormones: Last but definitely not least, the liver regulates hormones in numerous ways.  The able organ eliminates excess hormones through the bile or urine. Especially important, is the liver’s ability to eliminate estrogen and androgen - hormones which stimulate cell division. If these hormones build in excess in a sluggish liver, they can contribute to ovarian cysts, endometriosis, breast cysts, breast cancer, prostrate enlargement or prostrate cancer.  

Knowing the importance that this large, active organ plays in the body, we should be aware of what not to do to damage it, as well as how to maintain it.  A dozen fruits and vegetables can help us do just that and complete a list of liver-luscious superfoods:

Garlics and onions are sulphur based compounds, which help detoxify the liver and remove excess estrogen.

Fresh lemon in hot water may sound like an old wives tale, but is an excellent weapon in the liver arsenal. Drinking this simple concoction in the morning helps to cleanse the liver, stimulates bile production, and stimulates a bowel motion.

Apples are an extremely beneficial fruit: the pectin they contain bind to heavy metals and assist their excretion through the body, and a liver with a lower detoxification load has an easier time rebounding.

Of course – never to be left off a healthy foods list – cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower contain chemicals that neutralize toxins such as nitrosamines found in cigarettes. These vegetables also support the liver’s production of key enzymes with a healthy dose of glucosinolates. 

Beets and artichokes are two other vegetables that finish out the lineup. Beets are a blood purifying tonic that help absorb heavy metals and artichokes increase bile production and remove unfriendly micro-organisms.

The good news for anyone fearing a less than healthy liver is that the liver is one organ that has a relatively amazing ability to rebuild itself if supported correctly.  So take heart, grab some of the aforementioned foods, and begin the healing process!