8 Foods That Can Regenerate Your Liver And Help You Lose Weight
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Was your New Year’s resolution to lose some weight? Sadly, the year has already begun, and you probably haven’t made as much headway as you’d like to.
Well, as you already know, the perfect recipe for weight loss is a healthy mixture of exercising and the right foods. So, if it’s the exercising you’re slacking at, try beginning by focusing on foods. Especially foods that are good for your liver!
We know what you’re probably wondering – why foods my liver though? You see your liver is responsible for burning the majority of your body fat (1). So, if you help it function properly with the right kind of foods, it’ll be able to do its job of burning fat pretty well.
In this regard, let us tell you about the 8 foods you should eat for good liver health and weight loss!
1. Garlic
Garlic is one of those foods that are packed with a host of health benefits! However, to reap its benefits for your liver, it’s best to pop in a clove of this superfood in the morning, right before your breakfast. These white pods with a pungent odor are rich in selenium and allicin, which help in regenerating as well as cleansing your liver (2). And if you aren’t fond of the garlicky breath, simply pop a mint right after to eliminate the odor.
2. Grapefruit
Not only are they delicious, but grapefruits are quite nutritious too! Enriched with high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, grapefruits (much like garlic) help in keeping your liver clean and free of toxins and carcinogens. As for how and when you should eat it, try making this fruit a part of your morning meal, whether it’s sliced up or freshly juiced.
3. Green Tea Or Coffee
If you’re the kind of person that can’t do without a beverage in their hand, switch from colas to either green tea or coffee. Both green tea and coffee have several health benefits when consumed in moderation, and one of these benefits is promoting a lean liver. These two drinks contain antioxidants, such as polyphenols and catechins in abundance, which help prevent liver disease, thereby ensuring nothing stops your liver from burning fat (3).
4. Avocado
They might not be a common kitchen table item in India, but it’s time you included avocado in your diet. This creamy fruit is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are the ‘good’ kind of fat that your body needs. But that’s not all! Avocados also help your liver in producing compounds such as glutathione, which help the liver in burning fats and eliminating toxins (4). Moreover, several health practitioners also advocate special avocado diets for weight loss.
5. Buckwheat
Is your diet high in fat, which is making it impossible to lose weight? Replace the fatty foods with buckwheat or what we call kootu to be a slimmer and trimmer you! Buckwheat contains a compound known as inositol, which helps in regulating your metabolism and also acts as a liver protector. And the benefits don’t stop there. Studies have shown that it also has a suppressive effect on fatty livers (5). Additionally, buckwheat contains high levels of amino acids, which keep your body energized for that workout session!
6. Artichokes
Weight loss shouldn’t solely be about foods that don’t taste good! Ergo, enter artichoke. These delicious greens are the perfect food for weight loss and not only keep your liver healthy, but do the same for the pancreas as well. The natural enzymes in artichoke help detoxify your liver and also act as optimizers and protectors of the processes that are concerned with the proper digestion of fats (6).
7. Turmeric
We’re all well aware that haldi face packs can get you that bridal glow, but did you know consuming turmeric is actually beneficial to the liver as well? This anti-inflammatory spice ensures healthy liver function so that you feel fitter each day and can ward off fatty liver disease (7). You can either sprinkle this spice on your food or mix it with honey and warm water to aid weight loss. Add a dash of lime to this drink in case you don’t like the overpowering taste of raw turmeric.
8. Beetroots And Raisins
One of the best natural remedies for an improperly functioning liver is the desi concoction of beetroot and raisins. Not only will this appetizing drink protect your liver and aid in weight loss, but it will also give you a generous dose of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Here’s how to make it:
Boil 2 ½ cups of water and add 300g of finely chopped beetroot along with ½ cup of raisins to it. Do this only after you’ve removed the boiling water from heat. Now, cover the pot and allow the mixture to cool for 45 minutes. Once cool, put the mixture in a blender, mixing it till you get a smooth and creamy texture. Add a few drops of lemon juice and drink in the morning for five days straight.
So, who said weight loss has to be difficult? Just a little bit of modification to your diet can help you get on the weight loss track quite easily!
