The liver is one of the hardest working organs you have. It performs a stunning 500 processes in the body, including bile production, fat metabolization, vitamin and mineral storage, and blood filtration. It is also the only organ we have that can regenerate. That’s how liver transplants can successfully take a portion of one liver from a living donor and implant it into a patient with liver disease, saving their life. 

Yes, the liver is an absolutely incredible organ that needs to be protected. The most common source of damage to the liver is alcohol use, but excess fat in our diets can also damage it. Luckily, good food choices go a long way toward keeping our livers happy, and there are some foods that are especially good at cleansing it. It’s all tasty stuff, too – nothing you’ll have to force down. Let’s take a look.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are one of those superfruits that seem to be good for everything. This is especially true when it comes to your liver. Blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins that along with imparting the distinctive blue color are able to hold back the growth of cancer cells in the liver.

Multiple animal studies have shown further benefits. In rats, regular consumption of blueberry extract boosted immune cell response and the level of antioxidant enzymes, as well as slowed growth of fibroids, lesions, and scar tissue in their livers. It takes just 3-4 weeks of daily blueberry consumption to make a positive and lasting difference.