The liver is the body’s main detoxification organ. It not only helps digestion and breakdown of fat but also metabolizes harmful substances, food additives and other toxins in the body. Therefore, keeping the liver clean and reducing the burden on the liver is very important for good health. The following introduces 6 kinds of plants that are beneficial to the liver and protect the liver.

1. Milk thistle

Also known as milk thistle and milk thistle. Milk thistle has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years. Since ancient times, milk thistle has been used to cleanse the liver, stimulate bile secretion, and improve digestion. Research from The University of Maryland Medical Center shows that silymarin in milk thistle can stimulate the production of new liver cells, interfere with the absorption and excretion of toxins from the body, improve the body’s immune function, and fight against viruses, bacteria, and Other poisons. Clinically proven to improve liver function and repair liver damage, standardized 80% silymarin is recommended, either in pill form or extract, in a dosage range of 100~1,000 mg.

2. Dandelion

Dandelions can be found everywhere, they are inconspicuous, but they have surprisingly many healing properties. Dandelion can help the liver break down fat and produce amino acids, which is beneficial to liver detoxification and slows down liver swelling. According to a research report published in The Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism, dandelion has the effect of reducing jaundice, liver swelling, hepatitis, and indigestion. In addition to dandelion extract, you can also eat dandelion leaves directly or drink the juice. Make tea with dandelion roots, which can break down fat and produce amino acids. Dandelion’s most prized function is to stimulate bile production and the flow of bile between the gallbladder and liver, improving liver function and overall health.

3. Green Tea

Green tea is already a world-recognized health drink with anti-cancer, alleviating Irritable Bowel Syndrome and lowering blood sugar functions. Experts recommend drinking brewed green tea to maximize the effects of green tea; it is rich in plant antioxidants, the most well-known of which is catechin, which not only fights free radicals and reduces the risk of cancer, It also helps improve fat accumulation and prevent fatty liver and blood vessels from forming fatty plaques, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

4. Garlic

Garlic is an essential spice in almost every Asian household and is widely used in various Asian cuisines. Garlic contains elements such as allicin, selenium, and sulfur. Studies have found that the antioxidant properties of garlic are particularly beneficial to the liver. Its compounds can stimulate the activity of liver enzymes, help detoxify and protect the liver, and can also prevent harmful elements such as mercury and cadmium from being absorbed by the intestinal wall, improving the liver’s detoxification function. In addition, the combination of garlic compounds and some anti-cancer drugs can stimulate the production of interferon in the body, which has a synergistic effect in inhibiting local tumor growth and preventing tumor metastasis.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is a close relative of ginger and is often found in Indian cuisine. In addition to its color and aroma, turmeric also has many health benefits. The powerful anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric comes from curcumin, which is a major contributor to liver detoxification and maintenance of liver health. Curcumin can activate the hormones used by the body to eliminate toxins and reduce the impact of carcinogens on health. It can also help regenerate damaged liver cells, stimulate bile secretion, and improve gallbladder function.

6. Peppermint

In addition to keeping breath fresh, peppermint can also soothe the stomach, promote digestion, and is a good antioxidant. Peppermint can promote the normal secretion of bile in the bile duct, maintain the function of the liver and gallbladder, and effectively break down fat. It can also lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol, LDL) and prevent kidney and gallbladder obstruction.