What Vegetables Are Good for Liver Function?

Your liver is the largest solid organ in your body. It converts nutrients from foods into forms your body can use and produces bile, which sends waste products to your intestines. Your liver also helps digest fat and stores carbohydrates as glycogen. This organ can become stressed when it's exposed to unhealthy foods or environmental pollutants and is unable to work as efficiently. For a healthy liver, eat foods that stimulate liver functioning.

A close-up of freshly picked artichokes. (Image: jatrax/iStock/Getty Images)

Indulge in Artichoke Leaves

Your liver produces bile, which helps transport toxins, including cholesterol, to your colon for removal. High cholesterol is a risk factor to heart disease. Bile also stimulates the rhythmic movement of your intestines, thereby preventing an accumulation of toxins. Artichokes contain cynarin, which promotes the production of bile. They also boast silymarin, a flavonoid that enables reactions to occur outside your liver, thereby protecting it. Flavonoids are antioxidants that give vegetables their distinct hues,

Eat Your Leafy Greens

Leafy green vegetables protect your liver, reports Edward F. Group III, DC, a certified clinical nutritionist, on the Global Healing Center website. They do this by neutralizing metals, chemicals and pesticides from foods and the environment. By adding arugula, spinach, mustard greens and chicory to your diet, you can also increase bile flow, which rids your body of waste products. Eat them raw, cooked or juiced, or add them to any smoothie recipe for a healthy breakfast or snack.

You Can't Beat Beets

Beets contain the flavonoid betalain, which supports overall liver health. Betalain helps your liver modify toxins so your body can dispose of them. According to Registered Holistic Nurse Julie Daniluk, your body is more capable of balancing hormones, cholesterol and energy levels when your liver is cleared of chemicals and toxins. Add raw beets to salad, juice them or cook them and mix them in with pasta or brown rice.

Have More Broccoli

Cruciferous vegetables, which include broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, boost the amount of glucosinalate in your body. Glucosinolate is an organic compound that increases the manufacture of enzymes in your liver that in turn support digestive health and help rid your body of toxins. Likewise, cabbage and kimchi activate two enzymes that detoxify your liver.