These Vegetables Support Your Liver in Late Ramadan

SadaNews - The end of the blessed month of Ramadan is an important phase for the body, particularly the liver, which plays a pivotal role in metabolic processes and detoxification.

In this context, nutrition specialists confirm that supporting the liver does not require complex systems, but rather involves simple habits, most notably increasing water intake and consuming leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables.

Leafy Vegetables.. A Natural Support for Liver Functions

Leafy vegetables like spinach, arugula, and lettuce are rich sources of antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, as well as plant compounds that help reduce oxidative stress, which is one of the factors associated with liver cell damage.

Research published in specialized scientific journals on clinical nutrition indicates that diets high in vegetables are associated with a lower risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly when combined with a balanced lifestyle.

Cruciferous Vegetables

As for cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, they contain organic sulfur compounds, the most notable of which is "sulforaphane," which studies have shown support the function of detoxifying enzymes in the liver.

These enzymes play a role in what is medically known as the "transformation and conjugation" phase, where harmful compounds are converted into more water-soluble forms, facilitating their elimination through the kidneys or the digestive system.

The activity of the "glutathione S-transferase" enzyme is also linked to the levels of sulfur compounds in food, which is a crucial enzyme in the conjugation and detoxification process.

Water.. An Indispensable Element

Public health experts emphasize that water is an essential element in all vital reactions within the body, including excretion processes. After the liver processes metabolic waste or drug residues, the body needs a sufficient amount of fluids to ensure their efficient elimination through the kidneys.

Global health agencies recommend maintaining regular hydration, especially after long fasting periods, with advice to distribute water intake between iftar and suhoor rather than consuming it in large quantities all at once.

What Happens in Late Ramadan?

During the fasting month, meal timings and sleep patterns change, and some may tend to overindulge in rich foods at iftar. As the month draws to a close, gradually adjusting the diet and returning to lighter, fiber-rich options is a beneficial step to support metabolic balance.

Doctors confirm that the liver is an organ that is naturally capable of renewing its cells and performing its functions efficiently, but it benefits from a balanced diet low in saturated fats and rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

In conclusion, as the dawn of the holiday approaches, it may be beneficial to make liver care a continuous habit not tied to a specific season. Increasing intake of leafy and cruciferous vegetables, drinking water regularly, and reducing sugars and processed fats represent simple steps to support the health of this vital organ throughout the year.

Source: Al Jazeera