A gastroenterologist has highlighted the importance of a specific nutrient, betaine, in a list of seven foods for liver health. Betaine is crucial for helping the liver process fat, and one vegetable is its star source.
That vegetable is beetroot. The expert explains that beetroots are “loaded with nitrates and betaine.” While the nitrates support blood flow, the betaine is a “nutrient that helps the liver process and move fat out of liver cells,” a critical function for preventing fatty liver.
While beetroot is the only food mentioned for betaine, the other six foods support this function. Raspberries, for example, are rich in fiber and anthocyanins, which help regulate blood sugar and improve the body’s processing of fats after meals.
Apples with cinnamon also support fat metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity and lipid levels. Cranberries are key for the gut-liver axis, which is foundational to all metabolic health.
Pomegranates are on the list for their anti-inflammatory properties. Watermelon with lime supports blood flow, helping the liver perform its tasks. Strawberries with dark chocolate (70%+) are also recommended for their blood-vessel-supporting flavanols.