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1. Largest internal organ of the human body

   The liver is the largest internal organ inside the human body, but your skin is actually the largest organ overall. While the liver weighs about 3 to 3.5 pounds, making it the largest organ inside the body, your skin covers about

   22 square feet in area and weighs nearly twice as much.

    

2. Body's ultimate detox center

   Your liver processes and neutralizes toxins as well as waste products from blood, converting them into less harmful substances. The liver’s role as the body’s detox center is remarkable. It breaks down chemicals and other toxins into less harmful substances. These by products are then either sent to the kidneys for excretion through urine or passed into the intestines to be expelled through bile and stool.  

   
   

3. Helps in regulating blood sugar levels

   After meals, when blood sugar levels spike, the liver steps in to store excess glucose as glycogen.

   
   

   During periods of fasting or in between meals, the liver breaks down glycogen into glucose and releases it into the bloodstream to ensure that your body, especially your brain, has a steady energy supply.  

   
   

4. Bile Production for Digesting Fats

   Bile production is essential for digesting fats. After the liver produces bile, it’s stored in the gallbladder until you eat a meal. When fat enters the small intestine, bile is released to break it down into smaller molecules that can be more easily absorbed by the intestines.  

   
   

5. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

   Excess body weight, especially visceral fat that wraps around abdominal organs, is a significant risk factor for liver conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Visceral fat may lead to conditions that can put extra strain on the liver. 

   
   

6. Health risks due to excessive alcohol consumption  

   When you drink alcohol, your liver prioritizes breaking it down because alcohol is toxic in large amounts. However, consuming excessive alcohol regularly can overwhelm the liver’s detoxification abilities, leading to impaired liver cell function and other conditions.

    

7. Remarkable ability to regenerate

   The liver’s remarkable ability to regenerate makes it unique among human organs. After an injury or surgical removal of part of the liver, the remaining liver cells (hepatocytes) rapidly divide and grow to restore the liver’s original size. This regenerative process can occur even when up to three-quarters of the liver is removed. 

   
   

8. Skipping Meals can strain the liver

   Skipping meals can put unnecessary strain on your liver, impacting its ability to function properly.

   Regular, balanced meals help support liver health by providing the nutrients your body needs to detoxify and regenerate effectively. 

   
   

9. Maintains adequate Vitamin A levels

   Your liver stores vitamin A in the form of “retinyl esters”, which can be converted into active forms as needed for various body functions, including vision, immune response, and cellular communication. 

   
   

10. Risk factors associated with NAFLD  

    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver conditions in the United States. The liver may accumulate fat even in the absence of significant alcohol intake. Major risk factors include insulin resistance, excessive weight gain, high cholesterol, and abdominal fat. If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to more severe liver conditions.  

After exploring these facts, we hope you now have a greater appreciation for the liver's essential role in your body.

Making small but impactful changes to your lifestyle can go a long way in supporting liver health and overall wellness.

Your liver works around the clock for you—why not start working for it too?