While it is often obvious as to which foods have the potential to damage the liver (e.g. alcohol, excess sugar), the foods and beverages that can actually protect your liver are less well-known. Explore some of the top foods you’ll want to add to your diet for improved liver health.

Consume coffee and tea

Enjoy your morning cup (or two) of coffee or tea? Continue enjoying both of these healthy beverages, which have been found to possibly prevent liver disease. In one study (named the Rotterdam Study), “frequent coffee and herbal tea consumption consistently correlated with a significantly lower risk of liver stiffness.”

Enjoy fatty fish, olive oil, and nuts

One common media misconception about nutrition is that all fats are bad fats. This couldn’t be further from the truth, especially as it relates to liver health. Instead, regular consumption of fatty fish, olive oil, and nuts have been shown to promote liver health. All of these foods are high in fats that are beneficial to the body. It is actually the essential fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, trout, and tuna that protect the liver.

Avocados are beneficial for the liver

As a key ingredient in many Latin American dishes, avocados provide both an incredible flavor and creamy texture. Not only are avocados an exceptional addition to any meal of the day, but they have also been found to be beneficial for your liver. In fact, research has shown that avocados contain chemicals that have the potential to slow damage to the liver.

Protect your liver with the right foods

Preventing liver disease starts with the choices that you make on a daily basis. Avoiding excess consumption of candy, alcohol, fried foods, and other unhealthy foods is essential to maintaining a healthy liver. However, it is just as important to replace these foods with choices that work to protect your liver from damage. By making the right nutritional choices, you have the power to significantly reduce your chance of developing liver disease.