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Recipes to Help You Love Your Liver This Holiday Season

It’s the time of year when many of us indulge in extra sugar and alcohol, which can overburden our livers; the body’s largest internal organ that is responsible for many important functions including detoxification and healthy metabolism. Instead of sharing ideas on how to limit or substitute sugar and alcohol, let’s focus on foods you can add to your diet to help support liver function so your body can better detoxify all the “extras” of the holiday season and give you a head start to your new year’s detox plans.

Cruciferous vegetables are the category of food I want to share with you today. In addition to being anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory superstars, cruciferous vegetables are also excellent at supporting the liver’s detoxification process. They are incredibly rich in fiber, folic acid, phytonutrients like glucosinolates, and vitamins A, C, and K. Cruciferous vegetables include:

  • Arugula
  • Bok choy
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Collard greens
  • Daikon radish
  • Horseradish
  • Kale
  • Kohlrabi
  • Mustard greens
  • Radish
  • Rutabaga
  • Turnip

These are also foods that are in season now and readily available at the farmers market! So give your liver (and your taste buds) some love by enjoying the recipes below – I’ve made all of them so can attest to their yumminess! These recipes easily make up large amounts so you can cook once and eat several times throughout the week and some are excellent side dishes to add to your holiday meals.

Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

Smoky Cauliflower Hummus

I also like to just roast the cauliflower to eat as a side dish instead of turning it into hummus.

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

Sauteed Red Cabbage with Onions & Apples

Bon Apetit!

Angela Ross, Certified Nutrition Consultant