5 vegetables approved by a gastroenterologist for liver health

Liver health is crucial for overall well-being, as it performs over 500 essential functions, including detoxification, nutrient processing, and bile production for digestion.

And yet, liver diseases are on the rise, affecting millions of people across the globe. Diet plays an important role in keeping the liver healthy. Dr. Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist known as The Stomach Doc on Instagram, has now shared a list of vegetables that are good for the liver. Backed by scientific studies, these vegetables can improve liver function and may help reduce the risk of liver-related conditions, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver cancer.

“I recommend these vegetables to all my liver patients. I make a habit of trying to eat these vegetables throughout the week,” he said in a video. Let’s take a look at the vegetables that offer a protective effect on the liver.Beetroot

Beetroot is a powerhouse for liver health. It has protective effects that lower liver enzymes. A 2023 meta-analysis found that beetroot juice supplementation significantly lowered liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), key markers of liver stress, in patients with NAFLD.

Beetroot also improved hepatic steatosis, a condition characterized by excess fat in the liver. Incorporating beets in the diet can keep the liver sound and healthy. Broccoli

The gastroenterologist has stressed the importance of adding cruciferous vegetables to the diet. Broccoli, which is a cruciferous vegetable, has shown promising results in improving liver function. A 2015 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that broccoli sprout extract significantly reduced ALT and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) levels in men with fatty liver disease.

This leads to improved liver function. Broccoli’s ability to enhance detox enzyme activity makes it a staple in the diet of liver patients.Onion

Onions are rich in the antioxidant quercetin, which offers liver-protective benefits. The antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress, a key factor in liver damage. A 2020 meta-analysis found that quercetin supplementation significantly reduced ALT levels in NAFLD patients. Onions are often an easy addition to many dishes.

Along with the flavour, they also support liver health.Spinach

Leafy greens are good for the liver. Spinach is linked to a reduced risk of liver cancer. According to a 2019 meta-analysis higher consumption of leafy greens, such as spinach was associated with a 39% lower risk of developing liver cancer. One can add spinach into salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes to get its protective effects against liver disease.

Cabbage

Cruciferous vegetables are linked to lowering the risk of several types of cancers. Cabbage, on the other hand, also provides protective effects on the liver. This vegetable supports the liver’s natural detoxification processes. A 2007 human intervention study found that consuming Brassica vegetables like cabbage increased the activity of phase II detoxification enzymes in the liver.