Healthy Staying

10 Reasons You Should Never Drink Coffee

10 Reasons You Should Never Drink Coffee

Coffee and tea are among the most widely consumed beverages in many parts of the world. Coffee is no exception in terms of aroma and flavour, making it a pleasant drink to have with breakfast or even just sipping throughout the day while attending to work duties. The majority of people are fond of coffee; however, some are still in doubt as they believe that it is not healthy for them, and few have a myth about its benefits. If you are a non-coffee drinker and this list does not convince you to start, well, that would be odd! Ten Alarming Warning Signs Why You Should Never Drink Coffee Again 1. Bad for your teeth You are more likely to have tooth cavities due to drinking coffee. A study shows that tooth decay can be a result of consuming too much coffee. If you already consume coffee regularly and are not seeing effects on your teeth, then go for it. Parts of coffee, if you do not drink it on the regular or have never used it, may require that history be noted before becoming accustomed to drinking more. 2. Messes with your skin We all know that coffee is a diuretic, but did you know it could hurt the skin, too? Caffeine-containing coffee leads to breakouts and room darkness of dark circles under the eyes. If you suffer from puffiness and dark rings under the eyes due to lack of sleep and the use of too much coffee, reduce your consumption or change it to decaf. Even better, opt for a decent night’s rest! 3. Creates unhealthy habits Caffeine is a destructive, addictive substance. Overconsumption of caffeine is known to result in heart palpitations, jitters, irritability and insomnia, as reported by WebMD. Caffeine traces of heavy metals like lead and cadmium build up in your system for years! I recommend eliminating coffee or any other form of caffeine for at least 2 weeks and see how much better you feel. Therefore, You MUST NOT Drink Coffee. 4. Increases anxiety levels Researchers at Brigham Young University discovered that the sympathetic nervous system can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and produce panic attacks through the intake of caffeine. As a result, your heart begins racing, and you get an adrenaline rush. High consumption of coffee increases the probability that these effects will occur, and teenagers taking moderate doses are less likely to suffer from them. But too much caffeine can also cause you to have heart problems, etc., which obviously is not particularly good for your health overall. 5. Causes premature aging Coffee, with its caffeine content, boosts blood flow in the body, and it leads to inflammation, causing premature aging. To this end, it is recommended that older folks either lay off the coffee or switch to decaf. Adults 55 and older who drink two cups of coffee a day have more than twice the risk of dying prematurely compared to those seniors who do not, but younger men could still benefit from moderate consumption. It is thought this may be related to the combination of stress and dehydration induced by caffeinated beverages. 6. Uses up sleeping hours Ingredients in coffee like caffeine and l-theanine can lead to drowsiness, which creates an impression that you need it. It makes it challenging to keep your eyes open, especially when you have class or work. Even if you drink coffee before 5 pm, it might still be challenging to stay awake past nine at night and follow a proper sleep routine. Thus, with this logic in mind, you should not be consuming other caffeine products like coffee at night for sound sleep. 7. Exacerbates Symptoms of Depression Coffee has been proven to exacerbate symptoms of depression. The Journal of Psychopharmacology has published research suggesting that caffeine can cause cognitive impairment and memory deficits in people suffering from major depressive disorder. Another study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that people drinking coffee reported higher rates of depression. To further keep your mind clear and happy, avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee. 8. Unbalanced hormones: Stay Far, Baby Coffee It might sound like an obvious one, but coffee is a roller coaster of high cortisol and then massive crashing cortisol. Your adrenal glands secrete cortisol in response to stress, and it is intended as a fuel molecule when you need energy. It occurs naturally in your body when you drink coffee regularly. Still, if the shit gets out of balance, then this can cause a myriad number of problems, including obesity, depression and cancer. 1) NOT SO GOOD FOR WELLNESS! 9. Not good for people with diabetes (Coffee You Should Never Drink) This is because coffee tends to increase blood sugar levels. Although not toxic in limited intake On the other hand, if you crop up with diabetes, then it would lead to avoiding coffee being replaced as your blood sugar level is positioned exceedingly high. Conversely, suppose you are trying to lose weight and increase insulin sensitivity. In that case, coffee can be helpful because it has a protective effect on type 2 diabetes patients by reducing their resistance to insulin. Have been known to cause heart palpitations Drinking more than 400 mg of caffeine (6 cups a day) can lead to dangerously fast heart rates. Coffee should be avoided for health problems, and people taking medicines that increase blood pressure are also contraindicated. So, if you are only drinking a cup or two of Joe each day, remember to give it at least three weeks before you make any further changes in your diet plan for this food supplement to take effect on your body. If you have any heart palpitations that are not resolved, call your doctor.

10 Healthiest Foods To Eat In The Morning

healthiest foods to eat in the morning

How you start your day determines how the rest of it will go. Eating well in the Morning will help you wake up full of energy and ready to go, leading to an energetic day as well. Eating well in the Morning will help you carry on stronger and effortlessly through all these days. That way, you can use the time in the day wisely by taking care of your health and productivity both at a time! So, here is the list of the 10 best healthy foods to have for breakfast. 1) Oatmeal (healthiest foods) Get your metabolism going in the AM with oatmeal! Oats, with fibre, fill you up and help prevent you from snacking in the hours before lunch. The fibre will also help you lower your cholesterol, and if you are pre-diabetic or at risk for diabetes like I was, it can actually control blood sugar levels. If you have insomnia or another sleep disorder, enjoy a half-cup bowl of steel-cut oats 20-30 minutes before bed. 2) Quinoa Start Your Day with Quinoa and Eat It Every Morning. With their powerful protein content, these cookies will keep you satisfied even through the most extended summer mornings. They also include magnesium, manganese, copper, folate, and B vitamins, which are crucial for good brain function. 3) Eggs Most of the visible fat is in eggs. However, they are a high-quality source associated with complete proteins—meaning every one of them gives us all nine necessary amino acids. You may have been told eggs will raise your cholesterol and heart disease risk. Consuming two eggs per day is now considered healthy; new research claims that eating eggs does not increase your risk of heart disease and actually helps to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol while raising ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. 4) Greek Yogurt Whole foods with a lot of protein will help you feel full and give some relief to your sugar levels to avoid exhaustion. Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is a protein grapefruit, with about 7 grams in a six-ounce serving (if you’re choosing plain brands—you can rack up some carbohydrates and sugar if your container’s got fruit on the bottom). It also provides other essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, vitamin D, calcium magnesium, and probiotics—healthy bacteria that help digestion. Healthy Yogurt Snack Plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit or add healthy toppings like plain without the Buffered Reader. 5) Almonds The healthy fats, protein and fibre in almonds keep me feeling energized – all on very few calories. They also are mineralized and help maintain healthy bones and regulate your blood pressure. Just one morning handful of almonds to keep you going until lunch. Do not overeat. You will only gain more. Eat less in the Morning or before Evening and avoid a lot of calories to prevent weight loss gains later on. 6) Berries Berries are a fibre and antioxidant-rich, low-calorie way to begin your day. This is perfectly elucidated by a study published in The Journal of Nutrition. It discovered that subjects who consumed blueberries for three weeks had improved memory recall and cognitive function compared to their non-blueberry-eating counterparts. Blueberries are known to contain a lot of antioxidants, contributing, for example, to reducing their concentration in blood and, therefore, the risk of heart disease. This sweet taste in your morning meal is nothing fancy — you want anything, and this one makes perfect sense: berries. 7) Avocado Researchers have placed avocados to be high in fat content, with cholesterol as a capper – thereby being unhealthy for anyone trying to lose some weight. Of course, that is not a reason for you to exclude avocados from your food. Exercise the common sense of a teenager and remember that even though avocados are high in fats, they also offer many other nutrients like potassium and fibre. 8) Green Smoothie A green smoothie is one of the best ways to start your day! Spinach’s Vitamins A and C strengthen your cellular energy centres, while calcium’s bone-strengthening properties help support healthy bones and teeth. Bananas’ B vitamins make them ideal for long-lasting energy. If you do not have any fresh greens available, just use your blender or food processor (not a juicer). Juice does not need to start being consumed until sometime between 10:00 a.m. and noon. 9) Green Tea Green tea in place of coffee first thing. Green tea increases your metabolism and suppresses appetite, which in turn leads to a decrease in daily caloric intake. Green tea is also known for its antioxidant properties, for fighting cancer, and for lowering cholesterol levels. 10) Water Water does so much more than keep you hydrated. The way to cheat is to figure out the amount of water that your entire body needs all day, daily. A good rule of thumb is to always drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces (for example, if you weigh 200 pounds, try for about 100 oz or approximately 16 cups per day). But, of course, This will clear your skin and ensure healthy digestion. But always remember, enough water can help you lose weight fast!

Top 10 Reasons You Should Drink Green Tea Everyday

Top 10 Reasons You Should Drink Green Tea Everyday

Drink Green Tea Everyday Green tea is often touted as one of the healthiest drinks in the world, and for a good reason. It contains antioxidants that prevent damage to your cells and DNA, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and even lower cholesterol levels. But what are the top 10 reasons you should drink green-tea every day? This article discusses some of the most important benefits of drinking green-tea regularly and how it can make you feel better than ever before! 1) Boosts your metabolism Green-tea helps boost your metabolism and burn fat as a powerful antioxidant. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that both green and black tea increase metabolic rate, and drinking four cups of either will kick your body into a higher gear. (Psst. green tea is more effective if you brew it for less time.) 2) Fights oxidative stress Oxidative stress is when free radicals damage your cells and DNA. Drinking green-tea can help prevent oxidative stress by slowing down cell aging. Studies show that a cup of green tea every day could slow down cell aging in men by 40%. Additionally, a study showed women who drink 1-2 cups of green-tea per day had a 27% slower rate of age-related cognitive decline than those who drank less than one cup per week. 3) Lowers harmful cholesterol levels Research has found that drinking green tea can help reduce cholesterol levels. In a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, researchers used data from over 400 Japanese men with elevated cholesterol levels. The study found that drinking five cups of green tea daily for four weeks significantly lowered harmful cholesterol levels. 4) Prevents cancer Several lab studies have found that green tea has antioxidant properties. Studies also suggest that those who regularly drink gree- tea are less likely to develop skin cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia. In 2008, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggested that drinking even less than one cup of green tea a day can help fight some forms of cancer. 5) Improves mental health According to one study published in Preventative Medicine, those who reported drinking green tea were 28% less likely to have symptoms of depression. That’s possible because it contains caffeine and L-theanine, both of which are linked to mental health benefits. In addition, people who drank more green-tea were less likely to experience anxiety attacks or develop a severe depressive disorder called bipolar disorder. 6) Reduces inflammation Reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant activity in your body. Potent anti-inflammatory compounds called catechins are also thought to be responsible for green-tea’s benefits in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Catechins are potent antioxidants that protect against several cellular changes associated with aging. Studies show that regularly drinking green tea can effectively slow down mental and physical degeneration caused by aging. 7) Promotes oral health Regular consumption of green tea protects against tooth decay and gum disease, as it is high in fluoride, which protects against bacterial growth in your mouth. Drinking just one cup of green tea per day can reduce your risk of dental cavities by 90%. The antioxidants in green-tea are also known to fight periodontal disease resulting from poor oral hygiene. 8) Slows down the aging process One of green tea’s key components is catechin, a flavonoid that blocks enzymes responsible for breaking down collagen. Collagen keeps skin looking smooth and plump, and its breakdown causes lines, wrinkles, and age spots. The more catechins you have in your system, the better protected your skin against aging. Other antioxidants found in green-tea may also help prevent signs of aging; however, research has not been conducted to support these claims. 9) Helps with weight loss Research has shown that green tea helps with weight loss. Studies have found that green tea speeds up metabolism and increases fat burning, which is one of the reasons why people think it’s effective for losing weight. For example, in a 12-week study of 84 obese adults, scientists found that those who consumed four cups of green-tea or took two extract supplements per day lost significantly more weight than those who didn’t drink green tea. 10) Antibacterial properties fight infections According to a study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin found in green tea, has strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. Not only can it prevent dangerous infections, but it can also boost your immune system.

Top 10 Fruits That Are Good For Your Heart Health

TOP 10 FRUITS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

Fruits That Are Good For Your Heart Health The first step to good heart health starts with your diet. Eating fruits for your heart can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Also, help reduce the risk of certain cancers and strokes. The recommended daily serving of fruit includes one piece of whole fruit or 1/2 cup of 100% fruit juice, fresh, frozen, or canned. Here are the top 10 fruits that are good for your heart health, according to the American Heart Association, as well as how much you should eat every day to reap the most significant benefits from them. 1) Blueberries There’s more than one reason why blueberries make our list of top heart-healthy fruits. Not only are they a great source of vitamin C, but they’re also packed with anthocyanins, which are an antioxidant pigment that may be able to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry study also found that black raspberries could reduce platelet clotting (a significant risk factor for heart attack) by almost 50 percent. 2) Cranberries Cranberries aren’t just a delicious, tangy treat—they’re also good for your heart. The American Dietetic Association reports that cranberries may prevent damage to blood vessels caused by excessive or uncontrolled oxidation. While cranberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, they’re low in calories and sugar content. A 1-cup serving of raw cranberries contains only 60 calories and 14 grams of carbohydrates. Besides helping your heart health, cranberries may also help prevent urinary tract infections. 3) Acai Berries The acai berry is a fruit from a palm tree native to Central and South America. These berries are incredibly high in antioxidants, which have been shown to help reduce heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. If you want to improve your cardiovascular health and lose weight, eating acai berries every day will help you reach both of these goals. 4) Strawberries Chock-full of vitamin C, folate, and potassium, strawberries are well known for improving heart health by reducing levels of bad LDL cholesterol. According to a study in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, compounds found in strawberries can also help protect against arterial damage caused by high blood pressure. A handful or two of these tasty berries every day is a smart way to help prevent—and even reverse—heart disease. 5) Pomegranates If you’re one of those who still think that a heart-healthy diet has to be bland, it’s time to think again. The fact is, if you eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—like pomegranates—you can both lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol. Just three ounces of pomegranates (about half a cup) give you 16% of your daily value for vitamin C. 6) Raspberries Fresh raspberries aren’t just a delicious dessert—they’re also a great way to protect your heart. Raspberries are an excellent source of anthocyanins, which can help lower cholesterol and triglycerides. They’re also rich in vitamins C and K. If you want even more protection for your Heart. Get some exercise; physical activity has been linked with lower stress hormones like cortisol that can negatively affect blood pressure and heart health. 7) Cherries Cherries are loaded with anthocyanins, antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and plaque buildup in your arteries. In one study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, researchers fed subjects a meal containing peaches and dried cherries; those who ate dried cherries showed increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) compared to a control group. 8) Grapes Resveratrol, found in grape skins, prevents blood platelets from sticking together and forming a clot. Red grapes are higher in resveratrol than green ones. Men who drink three to four glasses of red wine a week have a lower risk of heart disease than men who consume less than one glass per week, according to research published in 2010 by Harvard University. While moderate amounts of alcohol have been shown to reduce heart attack risk, drinking more than that can increase your chance of developing heart disease. 9) Apples Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels and reduces blood pressure. They’re also high in quercetin, an antioxidant that may help prevent heart disease. One cup of apple slices provides you with over 20% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C and roughly 10% each of B6 and magnesium. 10) Oranges It’s a misconception that oranges are just filled with sugar. What most people don’t realize is that oranges are also packed with vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid, which help lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure. Because of these healthy benefits, eating at least one orange per day may be an excellent way to maintain a healthy heart. This year, reach for an orange instead of another piece of cake for your birthday!

10 Reasons You Should Drink Coffee Every Day

10 REASONS YOU SHOULD HAVE COFFEE EVERY DAY

You Should Drink Coffee Every Day You may think you’re addicted to coffee if you have it every day. But if you think about it, coffee has quite a few benefits that can make your life more enjoyable. Check out these 10 reasons why having coffee every day can improve your life. 1) Builds Brain Connections Drinking coffee is associated with increased neural activity, particularly in areas of your brain that control concentration and mental performance. Coffee regularly has been shown to help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In addition, caffeine triggers a series of responses within your brain that contribute to its alertness, focus, and even mood! So drink up – you’re not only helping yourself feel more awake; you’re also training your brain to be healthier too! 2) Increases Focus When you drink coffee, caffeine molecules bind to receptors in your brain, blocking distractions and increasing mental clarity. Think of it as a natural nootropic. When we drink coffee regularly, our productivity soars. For some of us, it’s essential to get through a full day at work or school. 3) Improves mood Studies show that coffee increases dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins in our brains. While some are feel-good chemicals that make us feel happy and relaxed, others act as stimulants that help us focus on what we need to get done throughout the day. Studies have shown that even a little caffeine can improve your mood throughout the day! 4) Diminishes pain Caffeine can block pain receptors in your brain, making you feel less pain from cuts and bruises. So if you’re feeling sore after a hard workout, drinking a cup of joe might make you feel better. 5) Prevents heart disease There’s good evidence that drinking coffee can prevent heart disease, Parkinson’s, and type 2 diabetes. Harvard Medical School advises you to drink four to five cups of joe per day for optimum health. 6) Lowers the risk of diabetes Studies have found that people who drink coffee are less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. One Harvard University study of more than 126,000 people showed a link between moderate coffee consumption and a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Drinking at least three cups of coffee daily reduced an individual’s chance of getting diabetes by 10 percent. This also lowers your risk for heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. Increases longevity: Researchers have long sought to uncover how drinking coffee can reduce death rates from all causes. 7) Keeps bones strong The magnesium found in coffee helps strengthen bones, potentially reducing your risk of fractures. Magnesium is essential to help prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. Recent research has also linked higher caffeine intake to greater bone mineral density in women but not men. Plus, emerging evidence suggests that a cup of joe can improve calcium absorption and increase bone strength. 8) Boosts immunity Caffeine is a potent stimulant, increasing alertness and temporarily boosting your body’s natural defenses. Studies have shown that daily coffee consumption boosts immune function. More specifically, caffeine raises levels of infection-fighting white blood cells called macrophages. 9) Protects against Alzheimer’s Everyone knows that coffee contains caffeine, but it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Two of these components—chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid—have been shown to decrease levels of beta-amyloid proteins in rats. Beta-amyloid proteins can clump together with other protein fragments to form neurofibrillary tangles and plaques that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. 10) It tastes delicious! Any avid coffee drinker will tell you it tastes great, but there’s also research to support that coffee consumption can positively affect physical and mental health. Research has shown that moderate coffee consumption may lower your risk of heart disease by reducing LDL cholesterol levels. It can also lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes (more than green tea), prevent cognitive decline, and improve longevity (in rats).

10 Fruits That Will Boost Your Kidneys

10 Fruits That Will Boost Your Kidneys

Boost Your Kidneys If you or someone you know suffers from poor kidney function. It’s essential to pay close attention to what you eat. Some fruits are particularly good at supporting your kidneys and helping them achieve optimal health, including improving their function and clearing out harmful toxins from your body. Let’s look at ten fruits that will give your kidneys a boost if you have the condition. Or if you want to help the ones you love have healthy kidneys as well! 1) Apples An apple a day keeps doctors and your kidneys at bay. The antioxidants in apples—particularly quercetin and phloridzin—protect your kidneys from disease. A 2012 study published in Nutrition Research showed that mice who consumed compounds similar to those found in apple peels for 15 days had increased levels of glutathione-S-transferase and catalase—two proteins that help protect cells from damage. And when these animals were then exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, they had better kidney function than those that did not receive apple compounds before exposure. Don’t have an apple on hand? 2) Oranges Though most commonly associated with Vitamin C, oranges are also an excellent source of potassium. Potassium helps reduce blood pressure, as well as protect against kidney stones. Incorporate them into your diet by eating fresh orange slices or enjoying a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Eating regularly will help naturally boost your kidneys. 3) Pears In addition to being one of Nature’s top feel-good foods, pears are also excellent sources of antioxidants. Research shows that polyphenols found in pears may help maintain kidney health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. 4) Mango High in antioxidants, manganese, and vitamin C, mangoes are suitable for your kidney’s health. Lychee: Vitamin C is essential for healthy kidneys. Lychee has over ten times more than an orange. Cranberries: As much as cranberries might stain your toothbrush red when you brush your teeth with them, they’re also good for your kidneys because of their antioxidant value. 5) Strawberries Strawberries are known for their vitamin C content, but they’re also chock-full of potassium, which is good for your kidneys. Potassium helps flush excess sodium from your body, which can help prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. You’ll find about 366 milligrams of potassium in a cup of strawberries—nearly 20 percent of your daily recommended intake. 6) Bananas Bananas can be a great way to give your kidneys a boost. They contain lots of potassium, which is essential for good health as it helps remove toxins from your body. They also have plenty of vitamins and antioxidants to help strengthen your immune system, giving you long-term protection against kidney damage. Potassium also helps fight back against high blood pressure, another common cause of kidney problems. Bananas are packed with fiber, so they’re great at keeping your cholesterol levels healthy and lowering your risk of heart disease too. 7) Grapes The antioxidant flavonoids in grapes fight against oxidative stress and protect your kidneys from further damage. Oxidative stress has been shown to cause kidney problems and contribute to kidney failure. Start eating red or green grapes every day, fresh if possible, and you may be able to prevent some of those issues before they even start. 8) Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, etc.) Eat berries. Eat a lot of berries. Blueberries and raspberries are particularly rich in antioxidants, benefiting those with kidney damage or disease. Berries may also help protect against kidney stones, another common problem for people with damaged kidneys. They’re sweet and delicious, so you have no excuse to eat them! 9) Watermelon Watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene, which may help prevent cancer and other chronic diseases. The fruit is also high in vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. Watermelon’s citrulline content helps support healthy blood pressure levels. Like all water-rich foods, watermelon can help promote hydration by retaining fluids in your body longer. This helps flush out toxins and other waste products to prevent buildup and improve kidney function over time. 10) Cantaloupe The perfect fruit for kidney-protecting antioxidants, cantaloupe is rich in vitamins C and E, lutein, and beta-carotene. This powerful antioxidant has been proven to protect against oxidative stress, which can damage proteins in your cells and blood vessels. Cantaloupe has even been shown to help boost kidney function by improving blood flow to kidneys; a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe are vital in helping prevent kidney disease later on in life.

10 Fruits that are Good for Your Liver

10 Fruits that are Good for Your Liver

Fruits that are Good for Your Liver The liver plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall health and wellness. Keeping it healthy can help you live longer and prevent many different diseases from developing. If you want to keep your liver healthy, here are 10 fruits that are good for your liver, along with the vitamins and nutrients they contain that promote liver health. 1) Oranges Orange fruit and juice contain many vitamins and nutrients that your liver needs to function correctly. These include vitamin C, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin B6, pectin, and folic acid. It can boost your liv-er’s bile production, a substance required to digest fat. And their high fiber content can improve digestive health and slow absorption of fat from food. 2) Lemons Lemons help stimulate bile flow and contain plenty of vitamin C to help strengthen your liver’s function. Drink lemon water every morning, or squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of honey in it. You can also use lemons to flavor food, making them great for cooking. 3) Apples Apples have antioxidants in them, called flavonoids. Flavonoids help your liver do its job because they protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Apples also contain pectin, which helps prevent fat build-up in your liv-er. 4) Blueberries Blueberries contain a ton of antioxidants, which help cleanse your liver. There’s been a lot of research done around their positive effects on liver health. They’re also rich in vitamins C and K and potassium. Some studies suggest that blueberries can also improve blood pressure, lower harmful cholesterol levels, and triglycerides, and may even help with lowering blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. 5) Kiwi Fruit Kiwi fruit is not only known as a good source of vitamins and antioxidants but it is also known to protect the liver from damage caused by certain kinds of drugs. It can also help in preventing excess alcohol intake from damaging your liv-er. It contains an enzyme called actinidain which helps break down proteins, thereby reducing inflammation caused due to alcohol consumption. 6) Pears Pears are high in fiber, and consuming pears regularly is an effective way to improve your liver health. The antioxidants in pears will also protect your liver from free radical damage. Pears have a smooth texture and mild taste, making them ideal for people who don’t like stronger-tasting fruits. This fruit also makes a great choice if you want to lose weight because it has only 90 calories per serving. 7) Grapefruit First up is grapefruit. This citrus fruit has been shown to have a protective effect on your liver by increasing both bile production and bile flow, according to research published in Hepatology (early online Feb. 21, 2013). An increase in bile helps remove excess fats from your body. Plus, grapefruit contains naringenin chalcone, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. 8) Cranberries Researchers believe cranberries’ proanthocyanidins boost enzymes in your liver, helping to detoxify toxins and protect your cells. In addition, they contain ellagic acid, which is known to prevent cancer cells from multiplying. Blueberries: This superfood has a relatively low GI and is full of vitamins A and C, which help boost your immunity while protecting against cancer. Strawberries: Though red, strawberries pack more antioxidants than any other berry. 9) Tomatoes They may look like fruit, but tomatoes are part of the nightshade family, including peppers and eggplants. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant associated with better liver health and a lower risk of liv-er cancer. Lycopene is fat-soluble, meaning it is easily absorbed by eating fat or oil with lycopene-rich foods. Try your tomato sauce over some olive oil-packed tuna fish to add healthy fats to your diet, also improving your liv-er’s health. 10) Cucumber As well as containing vitamins B and C, cucumber also contains potassium and silica, which have beneficial effects on your skin. It’s also said to help reduce uric acid levels – something you don’t want if you suffer from gout. These properties mean that cucumber is particularly useful in promoting a healthy liver.