The liver is the largest and one of the most important organs in your body. It removes waste and handles various nutrients and medicines.
While most people think a cleanse will help their liver remove toxins after they drink too much alcohol or eat unhealthy foods, it is important to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle at all times.
Avocado is one such food that you can add to your daily diet for a great natural liver detox. You can either have avocado toast or blend it into your morning smoothie for extra nutrition, which also has positive effects on your liver. Loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins, avocados help your liver function more effectively. And since it is the ultimate multitasker, avocados detoxify your blood, break down fats, and also help balance hormones.
How do avocados detoxify your liver?
According to experts, consuming avocados protects against liver damage as they are loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids and phenols. Avocados are also beneficial for those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Studies say regular intake of avocado lowers blood lipids, or fats. Phenols present in avocados lower your risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and even NAFLD. A 2022 animal study conducted on rats found that avocado oil helped decrease NAFLD as it helped reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function.
Also, avocados have hepatoprotective properties as they are loaded with vitamins E and C, which give them power against oxidative stress. Along with that, avocados are also rich in fats – the same heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. Apart from lowering the bad or LDL cholesterol, these fats keep liver cells strong and resilient. By reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage, avocados act like a shield for your liver and keep it working in fine condition even when you occasionally eat junk food or sip on a glass of wine.
Eating avocado also improves enzyme profiles – especially the ALT and AST – both of which are common markers that doctors check for liver health. High levels of these enzymes show that your liver is under stress or damaged. If the levels go down, it means that your liver is working fine. Avocados lower them by reducing fat buildup and accumulation.
Compounds like phytosterols and polyphenols – plant-based nutrients with strong anti-inflammatory powers – help lower inflammation, which is also one of the best ways to detox your liver. Inflammation is linked to scarring, fibrosis, and eventually liver disease, which becomes irreversible and can be life-threatening.
How to add avocados to your daily diet?
Avocado can easily be incorporated into your daily diet in numerous ways, a few of which include:
- Add avocados to salads
- Make smoothies with nuts and fresh fruits
- Add to your morning toast
- Use it as a spread or in dips like guacamole
- Bake into desserts like avocado brownies