Dr. Doan Vinh Binh from the Medical Information Center at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City advises incorporating plenty of vegetables, especially these five, into your diet to support liver health.

1. Mustard greens

Mustard greens are rich in sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces fatty liver, and protects liver cells from damage. Sulforaphane also helps inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells.

Additionally, mustard greens are packed with vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, and fiber, which stabilize liver enzymes, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of fat buildup in the liver.

2. Houttayynia corded

Houttuynia cordata is loaded with natural antioxidants like caffeoylquinic acid, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, and rutin, which neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, protecting liver cells. With its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and immune-boosting properties, houttuynia cordata plays a significant role in promoting liver detoxification.

3. Centella Asianica

Centella asiatica helps prevent liver damage caused by toxins, including alcohol. This plant stimulates liver and gallbladder function, increasing bile production and improving digestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties also protect the liver from inflammation and cell damage.

4. Artichoke

Artichoke is high in cynarin and silymarin, two active compounds that aid in detoxification, protect the liver, and promote the regeneration of damaged liver cells. For those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, regular consumption of artichoke can significantly lower liver enzymes ALT and GGT, while improving overall liver function.

Artichoke also stimulates bile secretion, aiding digestion. It can be cooked with mushrooms, meat, or fish, or prepared as herbal tea to cleanse the body.

5th knob

Perilla contains the natural compound perillartine, which supports liver function. It helps reduce fat accumulation in liver cells, regulates glucose metabolism, and inhibits genes involved in lipid synthesis. Perillartine also promotes mitochondrial growth and energy balance, enhancing liver efficiency.

Dr. Binh emphasizes that liver protection can be achieved through diet, regular exercise, routine health check-ups, and full vaccination to prevent liver diseases. Natural herbs like silybum marianum (milk thistle) and wasabia (wasabi plant) can also help regulate kupffer cells (macrophages in the liver), promoting detoxification and liver protection.

Those with liver conditions should consult a gastroenterologist or hepatologist for a thorough evaluation and timely treatment.