14 Foods That Cleanse the Liver

1. Garlic

Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.

2. Grapefruit

High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, limes, and lemons support the natural cleansing abilities of the liver. Have a small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice to boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

3. Beets and Carrots

Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can stimulate and support overall liver function.

4. Green Tea

This liver-loving beverage is full of plant-based antioxidants known as catechins—compounds known to assist liver function Green tea is a delicious, healthy addition to any diet. Just remember that green tea offers the benefits, not green tea extract. Some research suggests green tea extract may actually have a negative effect on liver health. Keep it simple and stick to the beverage to enjoy the benefits of green tea.

5. Leafy Green Vegetables

One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Extremely high in chlorophyll, greens soak up environmental toxins from the blood stream. With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.

Incorporate leafy greens such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens, and chicory into your diet. This will increase creation and flow of bile—the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

6. Avocados

This nutrient-dense superfood helps the body produce glutathione, a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins.

7. Apples

High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

8. Olive Oil

Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp, and flaxseed are great for the liver when used in moderation. They help the body by providing a lipid base that can absorb harmful toxins in the body. In this way, they take some of the burden off the liver.

9. Alternative Grains

If your diet includes wheat, flour, or other standard grains, it’s time to make changes. And alternative grains like quinoa, millet, and buckwheat can help. Your liver is your body’s filter for toxins, and if you have certain sensitivities, grains that contain gluten only add to them. One study found that persons who experienced sensitivity to gluten also experienced abnormal liver enzyme test results.

10. Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli and cauliflower are good sources of glucosinolate, which supports enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes flush carcinogens and other toxins from the body, and may significantly lower risks associated with cancer.

11. Lemons and Limes

These citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water. Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning can stimulate the liver.

12. Walnuts

High in the amino acid arginine, walnuts support the liver in detoxifying ammonia.  Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal liver cleansing. Make sure you chew the nuts until they are liquefied before swallowing.

13. Cabbage

Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage stimulates liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins. Kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup, and sauerkraut are great cabbage-foods to add to your diet.

14. Turmeric

Turmeric is the liver’s favorite spice. Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie dish for an instant liver pick-me-up. Turmeric helps boost liver detoxification by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary toxins.

This golden spice tastes great in all kinds of dishes, but you can further boost your intake with a turmeric supplement. A word of warning; turmeric supplements are somewhat notorious for low-quality ingredients and even outright dangerous contamination. Only buy the highest quality turmeric from the most reputable sources. I encourage you to try Global Healing Center’s own Turmeric supplement. This premium liquid supplement contains potent antioxidants and is sourced only from organic Curcuma longa root.

Why is it Important to Eat Fruit?

Eating fruit provides health benefits — people who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.

Health Benefits
Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.
Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Eating vegetables and fruits rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss.
Eating foods such as fruits that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.

Nutrients
Most fruits are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories. None have cholesterol.
Fruits are sources of many essential nutrients that are underconsumed, including potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid).
Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Fruit sources of potassium include bananas, prunes and prune juice, dried peaches and apricots, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and orange juice.
Dietary fiber from fruits, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as fruits help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.Whole or cut-up fruits are sources of dietary fiber; fruit juices contain little or no fiber.

Vitamin C is important for growth and repair of all body tissues, helps heal cuts and wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
Folate (folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should consume adequate folate from foods, and in addition 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid from fortified foods or supplements. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development.

The 5 Best Foods to Give You an Energy Boost

Face it, we've all been there before. You know that time of day when you always feel like you've hit the proverbial (and maybe literal) wall...you start to drag, time passes very slowly, and you feel like it is a superhuman effort to even barely keep your eyelids open. Maybe you turn to coffee, energy shots, or even worse, energy drinks loaded with ingredients you can't pronounce and that could have potentially harmful effects. You need to stay alert and you need a boost. So, where do you turn? How can you keep your energy level up?

Why not try some of these delicious, and energy boosting, power foods the next time you are in a little lag.



The Math Behind Calories

Before we get any further with these foods, let us clear the air first. All foods give you energy. That energy is in the form of calories. These calories come from the contents of the food: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. However, all foods, while having caloric value, are not created equal. This list is to give you an idea of which foods give you the healthiest "bang for your buck." It's a good idea to keep some of these foods handy as they can help you not only to get into better eating habits, but help you stay energized and, get this, they are good for you, too! Not only are these foods all that, but most of them will help jolt your metabolism, which is the way the body uses caloric energy to produce actions and functions, like everything from breathing to weight lifting to typing at your desk. So stock up on these foods and use them when you need a boost!

The List

1. Nuts

Nuts are some of the best on-the-go snacks you can pack on a daily basis regardless of place or time. While some nuts are better than others, nuts in their raw form (unroasted preferably) are pretty good for you. Not only are people who eat nuts less likely to eat junk food, they are high in protein, omega-3s, and the energy boosting B and E vitamins. Rich in fiber, nuts are also high in content of minerals like magnesium and another energy chemical, potassium.

2. Aqua

While technically not a food, water is a great combatant for sluggishness. Many times, that feeling of lethargy may be attributed to symptoms of dehydration, including fatigue and tiredness. Getting plenty of water will help to keep the body hydrated and functioning correctly, as well as helping regulate digestive and other bodily functions. Remember, things like alcohol and other beverages can cause you to become dehydrated, so drinking plenty of water in those situations is a great idea.

3. Fish

Fish (whitefish, oily fish, or shellfish) is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, and provides other great nutritional benefits, including energy boosting minerals. Varieties like salmon and tuna are chock full of omega-3s and building block proteins that are used for muscle building and repair; and are great low calorie, high energy foods that are high in essential fats and protein, which you can think of like "high test" gasoline in a performance race car.

4. Fruits

For a fruit-flavored energy pick-me-up, try different types of fruit the next time you need it. Dried fruits, citrus fruits, apples, pears, whatever! Most of these are chock full of nutrients, minerals, and vitamin C, as well as packing a load of natural sugars that will have you picking up from there.

5. Dark Chocolate

I had to sneak in something good for all my sweet-toothers out there. If you have to give in to the temptation, pick up the good stuff. Dark chocolate is banked with antioxidants, natural sugars, and natural fats from the cacao bean...a great little perk up that you can sneak in during the day or night.

While these foods are some of the best to help naturally boost your energy, there are many other foods that work well in this regard. Try to do your homework and find foods that are high in natural energy boosters like B vitamins, antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and high in other vitamins and nutrients. Any food that fits these qualifications are going to help you break through the sluggishness and give you the healthy energy you deserve.

The 5 Healthiest Herbs and Spices to Add to Every Meal

Spices make your senses tingle and can perk up a bland meal with one flick of a shaker. And as it turns out, these flavorful additions do far more than just make food more appetizing--they often provide important health benefits, possibly helping to stave off major illnesses. Here are some of the healthiest spices to add to breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.

1. Turmeric
If you're a fan of Indian food, you're probably already familiar with the spice turmeric, which helps give curry its distinctive yellow color. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and active ingredient circumin may help combat skin cancer and prevent breast cancer from spreading to the lungs. In addition, India has a far lower rate of Alzheimer's disease than America, and some epidemiologists suspect that a turmeric-rich diet may be the reason.

2. Sage

Sage may make you smarter, according to a study on college students who were given supplements of this fragrant herb. After taking sage capsules, participants performed markedly better on memory tests, and even reported improvements in mood. There's also some evidence that sage can help curb early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, although more research is needed to confirm this benefit. In addition, herbalists recommend drinking sage tea to help treat upset stomachs and soothe sore throats. To add more sage to your diet, toss it into gravies as well as dishes containing pumpkin and squash.

3. Cinnamon

Sprinkling cinnamon onto your oatmeal or apple slices may help you manage diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic. While scientists are uncertain whether or not the spice directly reduces blood sugar, research shows that diabetics who take cinnamon supplements demonstrate better glucose control, possibly due to increased insulin activity. Although cinnamon doesn't replace other diabetes treatments, it may help to use it as a complementary treatment.

4. Ginger

Ginger has a bold, warm flavor that's perfect for carrot soups and baked sweets--plus, the herb houses a powerful anti-inflammatory substance called gingerol. In one trial, participants who took ginger supplements experienced reduced muscular pain after performing strenuous exercise. Ginger may also help reduce pain from arthritis and osteoarthritis, and could help fight certain cancers. Along with these potential benefits, ginger has long been used to treat upset stomachs, and can help people with motion sickness, morning sickness or other stomach maladies.

5. Black Pepper

Sometimes referred to as "the king of spices," black pepper comes with a host of health perks and pairs well with nearly any savory dish. Derived from the peppercorn, which is not a true pepper, black pepper is both an antibiotic and an antioxidant. It stimulates fat breakdown, which may aid in weight loss, and some research shows that the spice may help lower levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood while increasing levels of "good" HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries as plaque, contributing to heart disease. In contrast, HDL cholesterol helps clear the arteries for a healthier heart.

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HEALTHY EATING PLATE

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Fact or Fiction:- An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” probably gives you the impression that apples are the healthiest fruits. This proverb was first mentioned more than a century ago, and it is still widely used today. Other than the fact that it is easy to remember and fun to say, it may also be true to a certain extent; otherwise, it would not have enjoyed such popularity for such a long time.

Basic Nutrition of Apples

Similar to other fruits, apples do benefit your health in many ways. First of all, an apple contains zero cholesterol, fat and sodium, and it is not harmful to your health in any way. It has a low calorie count of 80, and it is the perfect choice of food for you if you are trying to lose weight. Also, it provides 22 grams of carbohydrates, which make up 7% of recommended daily value, and some of these carbohydrates are complex carbohydrates that can give you a sustained energy boost. It is a good source of dietary fiber as well. An apple also has many great nutrients that perform various tasks to keep your body healthy, and these include vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Phytonutrients

Apples contain a number of phytonutrients in high amounts, and these include vitamin A, vitamin E and beta carotene. These substances function to suppress the activities of free radicals that can cause serious damage to your body, and they can contribute to the prevention of serious illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma.

Vitamin C

The vitamin C that is present in apples is an essential nutrient that offers numerous health benefits. Its most important function is protecting the immune system, and it can make your body more resistant to a wide variety of diseases, which can range from eye disease to cancer. It is also effective in preventing skin wrinkling.

Pectin

Pectin is a type of soluble fiber that works to maintain a healthy digestive system. It can also reduce “bad” cholesterol and glucose levels as well as blood pressure. Apples are known to have high pectin content.

Boron

Apples also provide a nutrient called boron. This nutrient can promote bone strength and brain health.

Quercetin

Quercetin in another beneficial nutrient that is present in apples. This flavonoid has the potential to prevent many different types of cancer, ranging from breast cancer to lung cancer. It may also be effective in combating free radicals that can cause age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

If taken literally, the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” probably means that you will never fall ill if you consume an apple a day. While apples bring lots of health benefits, they cannot prevent all health problems from occurring. However, they can certainly reduce your visits to the doctor in the long run. It is a good idea to include a variety of fruits in your daily diet. Besides apples, you should also try to consume citrus fruits, tropical fruits and berries, which are known to be highly nutritional.