A High-Fat Fruit for Detox

Beets and grapefruit juice both help protect your liver and aid in detoxification. Now you can add avocados to your liver-defending list.

Researchers at Shizuoka University in Japan fed 22 different fruits to a group of rats. The rats had liver damage caused by galactosamine, a powerful liver toxin. The researchers then measured the changes in specific liver enzymes. Of the 22 fruits, the avocado had the most potent liver-protecting activity. In fact, avocados boast five 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 the avocado’s high-calorie, high-fat profile. Avocado fat is the heart-healthy monounsaturated variety. Plus, the "alligator pear" has a slew 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 them into wraps, and mash them into guacamole. You’ll delight your taste buds… and protect your liver.

[Ed. Note: Kelley Herring is the founder and CEO of Healing Gourmet (www.healinggourmet.com), and is editor-in-chief of the Healing Gourmet book series. Learn more about how simple lifestyle choices can improve your health by reading ETR's free natural health e-letter.]

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