Grapefruit: A Juicy Way to Protect Your Liver

by Kelley Herring

In the moments of merriment, the indiscretions of indulgences silently take their toll on our health. We may not feel it at the time (or even the next morning), but alcohol’s stealthy effects can speed the hands of time and make us more prone to the ravages of aging and chronic disease.

But as you may have read in a previous Healing Gourmet articles, there are simple dietary things you can do to have your drinks (in moderation!) and protect your liver, too.

A recent research study published in the journal Carcinogenesis evaluated the protective effects of grapefruit juice on a liver exposed to one of the best-known chemical assailants— aflatoxin (AFB1).

In the study, lab animals were given grapefruit juice 5 days before being exposed to aflatoxin. The animals receiving the grapefruit juice had 65% less DNA damage to the liver than those not receiving grapefruit juice. What’s more, the animals getting the juice also reduced total DNA damage by 74% compared with the animals not drinking grapefruit.

Choose grapefruit juice to help guard your liver and boost your intake of antioxidant vitamin C. To reduce your sugar intake (which we strongly recommend!), mix 1 ounce of grapefruit juice with 7 ounces of sparkling spring water.

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Crank Up Your Antioxidant Artillery!

You probably already know that eating antioxidant-rich foods is a good way to fend off the free-radicals that contribute to physical aging and chronic disease. But an even better way is to fuel your body’s internal antioxidant artillery, including your body’s “master antioxidant and detoxifier”:glutathione.

Learn which foods you need to eat to crank up your body’s manufacture of this life-saving compound on p. 5 of Your Guide to Antioxidant Superfoods.

Click here to learn more...

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Avocados: A High Fat Liver Protector

by Kelley Herring

Love avocados? New research shows this decadent, high fat fruit may help to protect your liver.

Researchers at Shizuoka University in Japan fed 22 different fruits to a group of rats with liver damage caused by galactosamine, a powerful liver toxin. The researchers then measured the changes in specific liver enzymes which indicate damage.

Of the 22 fruits, the avocado had the most potent liver-protecting activity, boasting 5 specific compounds that appear to be active in reducing liver damage. Hirokazu Kawagishi , the study leader says "Besides offering taste and nutrition, avocados seem to improve liver health. People should eat more of them."

Don’t be deterred by avocados high calorie, high fat profile. Their fat is the heart-healthy monounsaturated variety and the “alligator pear” provides a laundry list of potent nutrients including antioxidant vitamins E and C, glutathione, lutein and zeaxanthin. If that’s not enough —they’re also high in fiber and potassium, and provide a good amount of folate, to boot.

So go ahead and slice avocados onto salads, fold into wraps and mash into guacamole. You’ll delight your taste buds, and protect your liver, too.

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A Jarring Fact about Canned Foods

Do you eat canned food? If so you’re being exposed to a dangerous cancer-causing compound called bisphenol-a (BPA). This dangerous compound is used in the liners of cans. And it leaches into your food - especially acidic foods like tomatoes.

Just two companies make BPA-free can liners. Learn which brands you should choose to stay away from BPA! See p. 29 of Smart Cooks Age Better.

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Boost Your Body’s Defenses with Beets

by Kelley Herring

Every day your liver processes and disarms hundreds, if not thousands of toxic compounds that make their way into your body. While many of these toxins are unavoidable (like those found in the air due to pollution), many are a direct result of our own choices—in diet, alcohol consumption and use or application of chemical substances.

The liver has a big job in neutralizing these harmful compounds. But the good news is that certain foods—like earthy, crimson-hued beets—can make your liver’s load a little lighter.

A recent study published in the journal Carcinogenesis found that beet fiber increases the activity of two important antioxidant enzymes in the liver, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S- transferase.

Because the liver is the body's primary detoxification center, free radicals are generated when toxic substances are broken down and eliminated. Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase serve as the body's antioxidant defense system, acting as bodyguards for liver cells.

The earthy flavor and unique texture of beets makes them a culinary standout in any dish. Roast beets and slice over fresh organic mesclun, chop and sauté with greens or puree baked beets and pears for a sweet and delicious side dish. Your liver will love you for it.

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Troubled by Toxins?

This common food additive is one of the best known excitoxins – substance that literally stimulate the neurons to death, causing brain damage of varying degrees. And it’s found in everything from protein bars to soups and sauces.

Manufacturers try to hide it from consumers by calling it 15 other sneaky names! Learn what they are so you can avoid brain drain. See p. 14 of Your Kitchen Cleanse.

Click here to learn more...

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