Top News

The liver plays a vital role in the body, handling detoxification, fighting infections, producing clotting proteins, and creating bile for digestion. However, it is also highly vulnerable to damage from viruses, bacteria, parasites, excess fat, medications, and toxic chemicals—leading to conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver abscesses, liver failure, and even liver cancer.

According to Dr. Tran Thi Tra Phuong from the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, a well-balanced diet can help ease the liver’s workload and support its recovery. Below are five fruit juices recommended for maintaining liver health:

1. Orange juice

Packed with vitamin C, orange juice provides powerful antioxidant effects that help protect the body from inflammation triggered by viral attacks on the liver. It also boosts immune function. Its high potassium content helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports fluid regulation in the liver, reducing the risk of swelling.

2. Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit delivers about 95 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams and contains antioxidants such as naringenin and naringin, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help protect liver cells, reduce fat accumulation, and lower oxidative stress—key factors in preventing fatty liver and alcohol-induced damage. The flavonoid neohesperidin also helps reduce cholesterol levels, which, when elevated, can lead to liver inflammation.

3. Papaya juice

Rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and protease enzymes, papaya juice supports liver health by reducing inflammation and protecting cells from oxidative damage. It also contains vitamin A, soluble fiber, potassium, and magnesium—nutrients that improve liver function, strengthen immunity, and promote overall wellness.

4. Guava juice

Guava contains 62 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams and also provides vitamin A and folic acid, which help enhance immune defense and reduce the risk of hepatitis. Drinking guava juice regularly may help slow disease progression and reduce complications in those with liver conditions.

5. Strawberry juice

Strawberries are rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help protect liver cells and reduce damage. Alongside vitamin C, flavonoids—another type of antioxidant found in strawberries—work to combat oxidative stress and support long-term liver health. The potassium in strawberries also contributes to reducing fluid buildup and swelling in the liver.

Dr. Phuong recommends that individuals with liver concerns undergo regular checkups and closely follow treatment plans from gastroenterology or hepatology specialists. She also advises limiting alcohol intake, avoiding tobacco smoke, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in moderate physical activity. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and seasonal flu are also advised.

In addition to dietary changes, natural supplements such as Silybum marianum (milk thistle) and Wasabia may help regulate Kupffer cells (the liver’s resident macrophages), enhance detoxification, and support recovery from fatty liver. These compounds also play a role in preventing hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.