The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention quotes that the average person contains 212 chemicals in their blood or urine. The liver is the primary organ in your body to deal with these toxins, but it’s responsible for over 500 other functions as well.

Long story short, the liver could use a little extra help!

Luckily, certain foods contain nutrients that naturally support the liver’s detoxification process. These are three common foods to start including in your diet to give your liver a little extra lovin’.

Beets

Beets contain an ingredient called betaine, an amino acid that is a natural liver detoxifier. Beets also contain something called pectin, a type of fiber which binds the toxins in the body and ensures they’re properly eliminated, another key to detoxification.

Grated raw beets are a great salad topping or even better, make your own beet salad with the recipe here. Don’t throw out the beet greens either, as they are incredibly nutrient rich as well. They can be a great addition to your green smoothie, or can be steamed like swiss chard.

Cabbage

Cabbage, though you might think of it as your grandma’s food and not the most appetizing, is truly one of the most versatile health foods. It contains compounds called glucosinolates that aid in detoxification, but also aid in regulating the levels of bacteria in the stomach lining. This is why cabbage and cabbage juice is considered the go-to food for those with stomach ulcers.

A great way to eat cabbage is to add grated or chopped red cabbage with grated carrots and drizzle with ginger, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Broccoli

Repeated exposure to toxins, even just from the food we eat, or the air we breathe, can lead to inflammation in the body. Broccoli, along with other cruciferous vegetables, contains a compound that actually helps shut down the inflammatory response in the body. Broccoli, like beets, also has a healthy dose of fibre, which is necessary for regular elimination of toxins.

Broccoli on its own can be plain, but drizzled with this simple sauce, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Broccoli with Garlic Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients
3 heads of broccoli, roughly chopped
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tsp lemon juice
2 medium cloves of garlic
sea salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
So as not to lose the benefits of broccoli by overcooking it, steam the broccoli for 5-6 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining ingredients.
Pour the sauce over and enjoy as a side dish!