In daily life, you probably have some occasions that you go for a drink with your close friends, colleagues, etc.  Especially in a party season, series of events like welcome party, farewell party, or year-end party would make you end up drinking too much.

The filtering system in your body is, as you know, the “liver.”  The liver is a vital organ that sits in the upper right portion of the abdomen protected by the rib cage.  The liver is often called the “chemical factory” of the human body due to its variety of functions.

Primary functions of the liver are:  “detoxification” of toxic substances in the body; “metabolism” converting nutrients absorbed into the body into biochemical form that can be used within the body; and “production of bile” necessary for digesting and absorbing fats.

“Detoxification” is the function activated when a person consumes alcohol.  The ingested alcohol is carried to the liver, where it is broken down to a toxic byproduct “acetaldehyde.”  Generally, the acetaldehyde is further broken down into water and carbon dioxide, and then, eliminated from the body.  With excessive consumption of alcohol, however, acetaldehyde will not be broken down and will accumulate within the liver, which is said causes liver diseases.

Still, maybe there are some events like a business party which you have to join.  Then, what is effective to protect your liver is, “taking good foods for your liver.”  Amongst the foods we usually eat, there are many that contain nutrients to assist the liver’s function.

Check the following “10 best foods for the liver.”  It would be a good reference for those you who have a series of drinking events lately.

For a Party!  10 Good Foods for the Liver

The Freshwater Clam

The Freshwater Clam is well-known for its support for your liver function. It is a good source for “taurine,” a kind of amino acids, as its primary nutrient. Taurine promotes bile flow and improves your liver function.

In addition, the Freshwater Clam contains optimal protein that will help your overworked liver due to excessive alcohol consumption recover faster. Furthermore, the Freshwater Clam contributes to prevention of fat accumulation using its vitamins 2 and 12.

Littleneck Clam

The Littleneck clam is also a good source for taurine. Excessive consumption of alcohol causes an increase in the levels of cholesterol which taurine breaks down. It is said that the amount of taurine in the Littleneck Clam in season increases.

Littleneck Clam season varies by region within Japan, which is usually spring and fall when the clams spawn. Littleneck clams spawn twice a year, in the periods from February to April and from September to October when they are deemed to contain the highest levels of taurine in a year. Consuming the clams in these periods, thus, is more effective for consumption of taurine.

Oyster

Oyster that is called “milk from the ocean” is also well-known for an excellent source of taurine. Upon consumption of alcohol, there is a case that a toxic substance called, “liquid peroxide,” to the human body is formed by the action of cells. Taurine also has a function of prevention of an increase in liquid peroxide, which will become your powerful support after drinking.

Moreover, taurine is also deemed to have a function to prevent arteriosclerosis or diabetes. Adequate consumption of oysters, therefore, is highly recommended.

Soybean

Soybean is a good source of proteins necessary for regeneration of the liver. While meat also contains proteins, excessive consumption of meat will possibly cause lifestyle diseases due to excessive fat intake. A balanced diet with right amount of plant proteins of soybeans, therefore, can be said essential. Processed soy foods such as Natto (fermented soybeans) or Tofu are also recommended diets, both of which have same benefits as soybeans.

Ukon (Curcuma Longa)

“Ukon works better if taken before drinking!” With such message, you can see variety of nutritional drinks with Ukon for a healthy liver. Ukon contains a component called “curcumin” that promotes alcohol breakdown powerfully. Curcumin is a kind of polyphenol, which is deemed to be found only in Ukon. It is also known well that Ukon has benefits of anti-inflammatory effects and prevention of alcoholism as well.

The spice, “turmeric,” as those who like cooking know, is a kind of Ukon.

Sesame Seed

Recently, a compound found in sesame seeds, “sesamin,” has been brought to public attention for its hangover cure effects. Enzyme serves as an important role to break down alcohol. Sesamin activates enzyme and helps break down alcohol absorbed in the blood. It also promotes breakdown “acetaldehyde,” a toxic substance.

Taking sesame seeds, thus, seems a good idea for prevention of hangover.

Peanuts

Peanuts contains a compound called, “niacin.” Niacin has a function that helps breakdown of fats or alcohol in the liver. This function is probably one of the reasons for popular snacking on peanuts while drinking.

Garlic

Garlic is rich in B-complex vitamins. A large amount of B-complex vitamins are used to break down alcohol in the liver. It is said to be good to eat garlic that is an excellent source for B-complex vitamins that has function of alcohol breakdown.

Fried or roasted garlics are expected to ward off hangover if eaten before drinking.

Milk

Milk contains plenty of protein, which helps revitalize the liver. Milk contains benefits of nutrients as vitamins A and B2 that improve the liver function. Warm up your milk a little before drinking and avoid cold milk that may give you an upset stomach.

Soybean Sprout

Benefits of soybean sprouts are unexpectedly little-known. Although soybean sprouts look nutrient-poor, they are rich in plant proteins that help revive an overworked liver due to consumption of alcohol. It is appealing that we can consume soybean sprouts relatively easy because of their reasonable prices and variety of culinary uses.

As mentioned above, there are many good foods for the liver that can be easily consumed. If you find nibbles made with the foods above at a party, encourage yourself to eat those.

There also are some foods that has beneficial effects even if taken after getting home from drinking. Enjoying drinking while taking good care of your body.

Summary

For a Party! 10 Good Foods for the Liver

Freshwater Clam
Sesame
Littleneck Clam
Peanut
Oyster
Garlic
Soybean
Milk
Ukon (Curcuma Longa)
Soybean Sprout