Four Simple Recipes to Promote Healthy Liver Functioning
Eating healthy is an important part of maintaining your body’s well-being, but have you ever wondered what food is best for promoting healthy liver functioning?
The American Liver Foundation suggests eating a balanced diet with foods from all food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and beans, milk, and oil, but to prioritize foods that are rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, rice, and cereals.
We contacted Judy Matusky, RDN, LDN, Founder of Athens Nutrition, who provided me with four recipes that your liver will thank you for later:
Kale Salad with Fresh Strawberries, Feta and Pistachios
Plant-based foods are important for your overall liver health. This salad is rich in antioxidants and fiber, and kale, being a cruciferous vegetable, is a powerhouse of nutrients and cancer-fighting compounds.
Chilled Cucumber Soup with Buttermilk and Herbs
Recent research shows that probiotics have been proposed to support healthy gut microbiomes and help prevent and control chronic liver diseases. Buttermilk, which is the base of this soup, is rich in probiotics and despite its name, it is low in unhealthy saturated fat. This cool, refreshing soup is perfect on a hot summer day.
Creamy and Light Salmon Salad with Fresh Dill
Eating more fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is a liver-healthy alternative to red meat. This recipe uses a convenient pantry item, canned salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Mixing it with plain yogurt lightens up the salad and serving it on half a bell pepper instead of bread, keeps the carbohydrates low.
Chocolate Peanut Butter “Light” Cream
Reducing, or avoiding, added sugars is helpful in controlling blood sugar and insulin levels but sometimes you’re craving something sweet. This deliciously creamy dessert is made from just three ingredients: natural peanut butter, cocoa powder, and frozen bananas. Whip it up for a no-added-sugar summer treat!
The liver is a busy organ that performs a variety of essential functions including producing proteins, storing vitamins, breaking down toxins, and more. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, choosing the right ingredients is important for your general health, and more importantly your liver.
Athens Nutrition is a team of registered and licensed dietitians who are passionate about coaching its clients towards better ways of eating. The team is experts in weight management and lifestyle nutrition for adults and children, and clinically trained in Medical Nutrition Therapy. To learn more, visit athensnutrition.com.
