Our Liver is an amazing organ with more functions than I can begin to discuss with this recipe. One of the liver’s primary functions is detoxification of both endogenous (from inside the body) and exogenous (from outside the body) substances. Its detoxification system includes enzymes that help the breakdown of things such as heavy metals, drugs, preservatives, industrial chemicals, hormones and non-beneficial intestinal microorganisms.
The Liver acts as a filter to our entire immune system, therefore its healthy function is crucial to your overall immune functions. The liver receives two liters of blood per minute from your circulation and the gut. Liver function is also crucial in controlling blood glucose, supporting overall hormone balance, and cholesterol levels in the body. Did you know the liver also makes bile salts which help emulsify dietary fats?
Keeping your liver healthy is essential to a healthy body. Consuming the nutrients it needs to perform stage one and two of its detoxification systems goes a long way to support it to perform its jobs well. I have included foods that provide the right nutrients our liver can use to help you feel your best.
Beets are very high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene (vitamin A), which can support the overall immune function. Apple’s offers more than sweetness to your juice, but the pectin has the chemical constituents needed for the body to release toxins from the digestive track and gently cleanse the system which in turn takes the toxic load off the liver during detoxification. Ginger has a long history of being used to support digestion. When our food is properly broken down and assimilated, it reduces the energy and resources used by the liver to finish the breakdown job.
Lemons are packed with Vitamin C that helps the body synthesize toxic materials into substances that can be better absorbed by water and naturally cleanse the liver. Celery is a great source of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, manganese, and beta-carotene. It also contains antioxidant phytonutrients such as furanocoumarin and phenolic acids. What do those mean for your health? They can aid in reducing oxidative damage to blood vessels and fats.
Parsley is known to help neutralize types of carcinogens, like benzopyrenes found in smoke. Its flavonoid properties help reduce oxygen-based damage to cells and were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to relieve digestive upset. Finally, purple cabbage! Cabbage contains large amount concentrations of glucosinolate phytonutrients. These can help the liver’s ability to neutralize to manufacture enzymes that work to neutralize toxic substance.
Cheers to your health!
Liver Supporting Elixir
Ingredients
- 3 beets (stems included)
- 1 head of celery
- 1 large lemon (keep the rind on)
- 1 red apple (variety of choice)
- 1 handful parsley
- 2 cups purple cabbage
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled
Instructions
- Place everything into your juicer. Pour into a 2-liter glass jug with a lid and consume the juice within 24 hours for optimal nutrient density.
