【Health and Wellness】 Consuming "Three Sweets" Foods can Cause Damage to the Liver, Prolonged Consumption can Lead to Gradual Liver Failure! The liver is the largest organ in the human body. "Three Bitters" Nourish the Liver, Regular Consumption of Liver Benefits Anti-aging! The liver is one of the largest organs in the human body. It is not only responsible for storing nutrients and converting them into energy but also plays important roles in detoxification and digestion. Do not eat by mistake to avoid errors.

As the saying goes, "Food is the most important thing for the people."

Food is not only the cornerstone of human survival but also a crucial factor affecting physical health. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the health benefits and precautions of some common foods. Some foods may have negative effects on our health, while others may have positive effects.

When it comes to liver care, there are two types of foods to choose from: foods that can cause damage to the liver and foods that can nourish the liver. Have you made the right choice?

"Three Sweets" Harm the Liver, Do Not Consume

Although sweet foods have an enticing appeal, there are hidden risks to the liver associated with them.

Sugar

Everyone has a sweet tooth, from cola, milk tea, cakes, sweet soup, to ice cream, the options are endless.

Even in times of low mood, just a small amount of sweets can instantly make us feel better.

However, sugar seems to be a hidden "health destroyer" that not only brings happiness but also mercilessly harms our bodies.

Specifically, excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tooth decay, skin damage, accelerated aging, weakened immune system, impaired nutrient absorption, increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, and the occurrence of osteoporosis.

In addition, excessive sugar intake can also have adverse effects on the liver. When sugar is metabolized in the liver, it is converted into fat, leading to the development of fatty liver. Sugar-lipid complexes can also cause liver damage and fibrosis, further aggravating the progression of liver cirrhosis. It may cause insulin resistance, disrupt metabolism, and increase blood pressure, potentially harming the liver.

What is considered excessive sugar intake?

According to the "Chinese Residents' Dietary Guidelines," the recommended daily intake of added sugar should be limited to within 50 grams for adults, and it is best to keep it below 25 grams for optimal results.

(Food additives, such as white sugar, rock sugar, and brown sugar, are added during the cooking and processing of food, and are not naturally present in the food itself.)

Fruit Juice

Although the harms of sugar are widely known, fresh fruit juices, especially those that seem harmless and natural, often make us let our guard down and feel like we are in a natural world.

In reality, fruit juice is actually a beverage based on concentrated sugar water.

During the juicing process, the fruit pulp and dietary fiber, known as the "fruit residue," are carefully extracted and pulverized. This "fruit residue" contains a large amount of soluble sugar, organic acids, and other nutrients, which can help us digest food and replenish nutrients. This fruit residue originally had the effect of inhibiting the absorption of sugar in fruits by the body.

When the fruit residue is removed and its water content is extracted, it becomes a substance that contains sugar!

For example, a cup of fruit juice with a capacity of 500 to 600 milliliters contains more than 100 grams of sugar.

As far as we know, the recommended daily sugar intake should not exceed 25 grams, but the intake of this beverage clearly exceeds our expectations.

Excessive sugar intake can have natural adverse effects on the liver.

Certain Fruits

If someone hesitates, I would rather give up fruit juice and taste the flavor of fresh fruits instead.

Some fruits are rich in sugar and fat, and their quality is beyond doubt.

Durian, a fruit rich in sugar and fat, can cause the occurrence of "fat deposition" in the liver when consumed excessively. This is especially true for those with fatty liver.

Avocado has a fat content of up to 15%, exceeding the usual level of less than 1% in other fruits, and even higher than the fat content in lean meat and fish by 3% to 5%.

Coconut: 100 grams of coconut contains a high calorie count of 241 kilocalories, with 31.3 grams of carbohydrates, equivalent to a large bowl of white rice.

Hawthorn: It tastes sour, but its sugar content is as high as 22%.

Therefore, when faced with these ambitious fruits, we should carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider them cautiously.

Even for ordinary fruits, it is recommended to consume 200 to 350 grams (about one to two fistfuls) daily to maintain good health.

After discussing "foods that harm the liver," let's explore "foods that nourish the liver"—

"Three Bitters" Nourish the Liver, Recommended for Regular Consumption

It is well-known that "good medicine tastes bitter" is an effective food choice. Although the taste of the following ingredients may not be the most pleasant, they do have the potential to maintain liver health.

Dandelion

Dandelion is known as the "Queen of Herbs." After entering the liver and stomach meridians, it has the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, and nourishing the liver.

Nutritionists point out that dandelion contains vitamin C, vitamin B, and dandelionin, which have the effect of enhancing liver and kidney function.

Overall, dandelion has significant benefits for the liver, which is beyond doubt!

Recommended usage and selection tips for dandelion: Fresh dandelion can be used as an ingredient in dishes; if consumed dried, it is best to sun-dry it first and then blanch it in boiling water. If making tea or cooking medicinal cuisine, it is recommended to use dried dandelion. Fresh dandelion has higher medicinal and nutritional value. It can clear heat, remove dampness, detoxify, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and is a good health drink. When selecting fresh dandelion, choose varieties with clean leaves and a subtle fragrance. For dried dandelion, choose varieties that are grayish-green, free of impurities, and dry.

Senna Seed

Senna seed is sweet and bitter with a slightly cold nature. It belongs to the liver, kidney, and large intestine meridians, and has the effects of clearing the liver, improving vision, moisturizing the intestines, and promoting bowel movements.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, senna seed has the effect of improving vision. Therefore, it can be enjoyed by those who spend a lot of time staring at screens from phones and computers.

It should be noted that senna seed tends to have a cold nature, so it is not suitable for long-term consumption. It is not suitable for those with a cold stomach or a cold constitution. Senna seed should not be taken with drugs such as Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets (a type of Chinese medicine for detoxification) and bile acids, as it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea. Senna seed has the effect of contracting the uterus, so pregnant women should avoid it.

Health Recommendation: Goji Chrysanthemum Senna Seed Tea

Ingredients: 10 grams of goji berries, 3 grams of chrysanthemum, 15 grams of roasted senna seeds.

Instructions: Put the goji berries, chrysanthemum, and roasted senna seeds into a container, brew with boiling water, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes before enjoying.

Effects: Clear the liver, reduce internal heat, nourish yin, improve vision, lower blood pressure, and reduce blood lipids.

Herba Artemisiae Scopariae

People from Guangdong and Guangxi often say: "Please prepare a soup made from pork rind cooked with herba artemisiae scopariae, to remove dampness and heat, and protect the liver's health."

Herba artemisiae scopariae has the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, moisturizing dryness, and protecting the liver. In daily life, it can be used for making tea, soups, and more.

It should be noted that herba artemisiae scopariae has a cold nature, so excessive consumption may have adverse effects on those who usually have a cold stomach or a cold constitution.