Sweet Potatoes May Help with Liver Damage from Excessive Alcohol Consumption. Anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes are also associated with improving liver damage from alcohol abuse, according to a study with mice conducted by the NIH. Sweet Potatoes May Help Regulate Your Blood Sugar.
Limited research suggests that consumption of sweet potatoes may have beneficial effects on some biomarkers of metabolic health. Because nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, the consumption of sweet potatoes may be associated with a lower risk of NAFLD.
According to a Japanese study, purple sweet potato – rich in the red pigment anthocyanin – may keep your liver healthy. Anthocyanins contribute to the colour of blueberries, cranberries, eggplant, grapes and red cabbage, and are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Sweet potatoes are also rich in fiber and Vitamin C, other cleansing and immunity-boosting nutrients that help your liver function at its best. Try using sweet potatoes roasted in a hearty, plant-based dinner, or use them as a simple lunch by stuffing them with salsa and some hummus for an easy mid-day meal.
Just one sweet potato gives you 102% of the vitamin A you need each day. This helps keep your eyes healthy as well as your immune system, your body's defense against germs. It's also good for your reproductive system and organs like your heart and kidneys.
Berries. Many dark berries — including blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries — contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which may help protect the liver from damage. A 2013 study in rats suggests that blueberry juice supplements could increase antioxidant capability in the liver.
Avocados are another example of foods good for liver function. They're high in healthy fats and contain unique chemicals that reduce and slow down liver damage. Avocados are packed with glutathione, which helps get rid of harmful toxins in the body.
Examples of high-glycemic carbohydrates include white bread, many commercial breakfast cereals, and white rice. Complex carbohydrates that may protect against fatty liver disease include whole-grain breads and brown rice.
It's clear that Mediterranean-style diets can help decrease liver fat, thus helping to prevent or possibly reverse NAFLD. These diets are high in healthful fats, such as monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and avocados and omega-3 fats found in walnuts and oily fish like salmon and sardines.
However, it is clear that in some models, supplementation with partial or whole tomato proves to provide superior protection for the alleviation of fatty liver disease and HCC in animal models, as compared with purified lycopene.
The most effective fatty liver treatment involves a change in lifestyle. Weight loss is helpful. “But the weight loss has to be pretty significant,” says Loomba. You have to lose about 7% of your body weight to resolve NASH.
Carrots are good for the liver because of the beta-carotene and plant flavonoids that are present in them. Both of the aforementioned elements facilitate liver function and do not let toxicity take over the liver. In order to consume carrots for enhancing liver function, one should prepare carrot juice and drink it.
Eggs are rich in all the eight essential amino acids and choline, which is also a vital nutrient. The amino acids and choline help the liver in the detoxification process and improve the metabolism rate.
Avoid processed foods, fats, animal proteins, and refined sugars for a few days. Eat healthy, fresh, and a good amount of raw fruits and vegetables that help the liver clean itself faster. You can also consume many fresh juices to give your digestive system a short break at the same time.
Eating sweet potatoes regularly is even good for your skin. “Beta-carotene is an antioxidant, so it helps to reverse damage from the sun,” Lehmann explains. “It also improves wrinkling and sagging of the skin.”
High fiber: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber that helps the body in many ways. Fiber improves digestion, prevents constipation, promotes regularity, and maintains good gut health. It also lowers the risk of type II diabetes. Regulate blood pressure: Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium.
The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes has been shown to fight inflammation, and eating them regularly can help ease joint pain and other symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis. If you're looking for a delicious way to reduce inflammation, add some sweet potatoes to a salad or bake alongside protein!
Like fried foods, processed meats like salami, bacon and hot dogs also tend to be very high in saturated fat. And as we've already discussed, when more saturated fat than is recommended is eaten over time, it may lead to damaging your liver.
Too much refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup causes a fatty buildup that can lead to liver disease. Some studies show that sugar can be as damaging to the liver as alcohol, even if you're not overweight. It's one more reason to limit foods with added sugars, such as soda, pastries, and candy.