A specialist in digestion and liver health has named seven expert-backed foods that can help protect your liver from two of its biggest threats: fat buildup and inflammation.
To protect against fat, the doctor recommends beetroot. It contains betaine, a “nutrient that helps the liver process and move fat out of liver cells.” Raspberries also help by improving the body’s ability to process fats after meals and regulating blood sugar.
To protect against inflammation, the expert suggests pomegranates. They are packed with unique polyphenols, like ellagitannins, which research suggests can help calm inflammatory signals that affect the liver.
Apples with cinnamon also offer protection by supporting insulin sensitivity and healthy lipid levels, which reduces metabolic stress on the liver. Cranberries offer protection by strengthening the gut-liver axis with their prebiotic polyphenols.
Finally, watermelon with lime and strawberries with dark chocolate (70%+) offer support. The first combo boosts blood flow, while the second provides flavanols that improve blood vessel function and cardiometabolic health.