For the past three (3) weeks, we have dedicated our Mondays to liver cleansing; we have employed important cleaning agents like Grapefruits, Garlic, and Walnuts. The liver is a vital organ in the body and the importance of detoxifying and keeping it green has been clearly overemphasized in this series.
Its Liver cleansing Monday and it time to do the clean after a long weekend. The Liver magician for the day is AVOCADO.
Avocados can help the body produce a type of antioxidant called glutathione. Glutathione is needed by the liver to filter out harmful substances and protect liver cells from damage. Likely due to experiencing repeated injury, those with chronic liver disease are often found to be low in glutathione. Avocados are the leading food source of this master antioxidant.
In addition to glutathione, avocados are rich sources of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Neutralizing or deactivating harmful free radicals in the liver is instrumental in protecting liver cells from damage.
Often cited as a staple in an anti-inflammatory diet, avocados contain both Vitamin E and Vitamin K, two nutrients that are known to quell cellular inflammation. Because liver cell inflammation precedes cellular injury, anti-inflammatory intervention is a trusted approach towards liver health support.
For those with a fatty liver, avocado’s “healthy” fats can improve the body cholesterol profile by lowering low-density lipoproteins (also known as LDLs or bad cholesterol) and raising high-density-lipoproteins (also known as HDLs or good cholesterol).
Fatty liver disease is characterized by a surplus of fat in the cells of the liver, which can lead to liver inflammation and hardening. Replacing saturated fat with monounsaturated fat, and eating low-glycemic foods, such as vegetables and some fruits, instead of high-glycemic foods, such as chips and sugary snacks, can help individuals with the fatty liver disease. Avocados not only contain monounsaturated fat but also function as a low-glycemic food. According to a 2007 animal study published in the “World Journal of Gastroenterology,” daily consumption of monounsaturated fat and limited saturated fat may help lower triglyceride levels in the liver, particularly among individuals with the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Give your body a green treat today.
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Olubunmi