The liver processes and handles various substances such as hormones, synthesizes and supplies important materials. However, since there are almost no abnormal symptoms until 80% of the liver is damaged, it is important to take care of liver health in advance. As year-end gatherings and dinners with alcohol are ongoing, it is good to know foods that support liver function.

◇Cabbage, well known as a health food, is rich in glucosinolates that help detoxify the liver and white radish. The glucosinolate component helps the liver produce detoxifying enzymes that block reactive oxygen species. It is also known to have anticancer effects. According to a research team from the University of Illinois, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage are good not only for eliminating liver toxins but also for reducing fat absorption to prevent fatty liver. Cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, napa cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.

The pectin contained in apples helps eliminate toxins produced during digestion. This leads to a reduced burden on the liver's detoxification process in the body. The abundant flavonoid components in apples also aid in bile production. Since flavonoids are mostly found in apple skins, it is recommended to wash thoroughly and eat the apples with the skin to maximize liver detoxification effects.

Garlic: Garlic, which Koreans enjoy eating, is one of the foods beneficial for liver health. When you eat garlic, allicin combines with vitamin B1 to promote carbohydrate metabolism and helps relieve accumulated fatigue in the liver. Selenium, abundant in garlic, eliminates reactive oxygen species, aiding detoxification, and also boosts immune function. To preserve the nutrients in garlic, it is best to chop or crush it when cooking.

◇Chives contain a high amount of beta-carotene, which is good for removing active oxygen, liver detoxification, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. They also contain B vitamins that help relieve fatigue. Cooking and eating chives can promote the secretion of gastric juice, helping to maintain and manage healthy digestive functions. In traditional Korean medicine, chives are described as having a warm nature, which is beneficial for metabolism.

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I thought cabbage was only good for stomach health, but...

Detoxification of the liver?

Should I blend and eat some cabbage?

It probably doesn't taste good, right??