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Functions of the Liver

Carrots - Creative Commons License Credit to http://www.flickr.com/photos/faeryboots/Of all the vital organs, the liver is the most essential part in the human body. It plays a key role in metabolism and helps in production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. It performs a variety of functions such as storing sugars, minerals and vitamins and cleanses blood through detoxification.

Your liver, the largest gland in the human body, needs to function well to assist your overall wellbeing. So, the food you eat determines your liver’s performance.

There are many naturally organic foods good for your liver. Foods rich in antioxidants are the best option in maintaining your liver as well as your health.
Foods Rich in Beta Carotene

Garlic - Image Credit to http://www.flickr.com/photos/roeshad/Foods rich in antioxidants help in cleansing the effect of free radicals on the liver.

Vegetables like beets and carrots contain carotenoids and beta-carotene, all antioxidants, to help in the detoxification process and protect the liver against disease.

The selenium and glutathione present in garlic acts as antioxidants. It would be interesting to note that beta-carotene is the precursor of Vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant.
Foods Containing Vitamin B, C and E

Foods with greater amounts of Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Vitamin E should be consumed daily for a healthy liver.

Foods like broccoli, eggs, spinach and brown rice contains B vitamins.

Tomatoes, papaya, carambola, mustard greens, broccoli, peppers, brussel sprouts and tomatillos are good sources of vitamin C.

Wheat germ boasts vitamin E and selenium. Almonds, avocado, asparagus, walnuts and tomatoes are also rich sources of vitamin E.

Foods rich in Vitamin C and E are as important as antioxidants. Antioxidants help to lower the damage caused by free radicals, thus healing and cleansing the liver. Foods high in B vitamins improve liver function and promote liver decongestion. Vitamin B12 helps to metabolize fats and improves liver function.

Natural sources of vitamin B12 are fishes, eggs, meat (especially liver) and milk.

n/articleRead more: http://www.brighthub.com/healths/24094.aspx#ixzz1HfJ30W8R/diet-nutritio