5 herbs that boost liver health
Millions of people are struggling with liver disease globally. The liver is a vital organ, responsible for important functions including detoxification, metabolism, and nutrient storage.
Despite its crucial role in the body, people often overlook liver health until problems arise. Here are five herbs that can support liver function.
Garlic
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, garlic reduces kidney stress, regulates blood pressure, keeps infections away, and promotes general immune response, making it an excellent way to keep your kidneys healthy.
Garlic, which is a staple in many kitchens, is more than just a bold flavour. It Is packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant compounds, such as allicin, alliin, and ajoene. Sulfur compounds like allicin activate liver enzymes and aid in toxin elimination. A 2020
study
found that people who had non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) showed reductions in ALT, AST, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels when they took 800 mg of garlic powder every day for 15 weeks.
Ginger
Yes, your mum is right. Ginger does it all. It has more health benefits than you can imagine. This herb has been used in traditional medicine for ages. Ginger supports liver health, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A 2020
study
found that people with NAFLD who took ginger powder per day in a 12-week study had ALT, total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).
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Ginger's active compound, gingerol, can also help combat oxidative stress.
Turmeric
Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, is known to benefit liver health. Curcumin reduces liver inflammation and prevents damage from conditions like fatty liver disease. Its antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals, protecting liver cells. A 2019
study
found that NAFLD patients who took 500mg of curcumin for 8 weeks had significantly reduced liver fat.
Foods you should never have with tea
Licorice
Licorice root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for ages. This herb contains glycyrrhizin, which studies suggest may protect against liver damage. Licorice extract reduces liver enzyme levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Though this herb can improve liver function, excessive use can raise blood pressure. Research
suggests
that licorice has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and liver-protective effects.
Green tea
Green tea, which is rich in catechins like EGCG, is known to boost liver health. It can reduce fat buildup and inflammation. Studies suggest that green tea lowers liver enzyme levels in people with metabolic syndrome. The catechins act as antioxidants and protect the liver from damage. A 2016
study
involving 80 individuals with NAFLD found that taking 500 mg of green tea extract daily for 90 days led to a significant reduction in liver damage markers, including ALT and AST.
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