World Liver Day: Interesting Facts About Liver

Every year, the 19th of April is considered World Liver Day in order to spread awareness about liver related diseases. The liver is an important organ of our body and performs several different functions. It is an integral part of the functioning of our body. Read on to know some interesting facts about this organ.

Dual Identity

The liver is the largest gland in the body and the second largest organ after the skin. It weighs up to 1.3 to 1.6 kg for a human adult. It is usually reddish brown in colour. This organ filter exits all the toxins or chemicals from the body. These toxins are then disposed of as bile and removed in the form of stool or urine.

It Can Regenerate

The only organ that can regenerate and regrow is the liver. In order to regenerate, the liver only needs 25% of the original tissue. According to a 2009 study in the Journal of Cell Physiology, if a person donates more than half of his/her liver, then the liver returns to its original size in about two weeks.

Affects Brain Function

The liver regulates plasma glucose and ammonia levels. If this gets out of control, then it will result in a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy. This can also lead to a coma. This means if we want the brain to function properly, then your liver should be healthy.

Helps In Water Storage & Carbohydrate Metabolism

Liver is an organ that is vital in controlling blood sugar levels. If a person has fatty liver, then there is a risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It converts glucose from carbohydrate rich foods into glycogen and is stored in the liver. This is released between meals in order to keep the energy levels high.

Along with this, glycogen absorbs water over 6 times its own weight which means the liver plays a vital role in the storage of water.

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Helps In Hormone Metabolism

A major site of hormone breakdown is the liver. It breaks down estrogen and secretes it into bile. Then, this enters the intestines for excretion. If there is an overload on the liver, then it will not excrete the estrogen properly which can lead to lumpy breasts, fluid retention, menstrual cramps, etc.

Along with this, if the liver does not break androgen (the male hormone), then it can lead to the problem of acne, scalp hair loss, and facial hair in women.

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Stores Vitamins & Minerals

You might be surprised to know that vitamin A, D, E, K and B12 are stored in the liver along with iron and copper. Also, it helps to convert vitamin D into its active form.

Performs 500 Different Functions

According to the scientists, the liver can perform about 500 different functions including producing enzymes and chemicals, storing sugar, breaking glycogen into glucose and many more. Therefore, a liver is an important organ of our body.