1. Detoxification: The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances, such as drugs, alcohol, and metabolic waste products, by breaking them down and eliminating them from the body.
2. Protein synthesis: The liver is responsible for producing various proteins, including blood clotting factors, albumin, and enzymes that are essential for various bodily functions.
3. Bile production: The liver produces bile, a substance that helps in the digestion and absorption of fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when needed.
4. Metabolism regulation: The liver regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It helps maintain blood sugar levels by storing excess glucose as glycogen and releasing it when needed.
5. Vitamin storage: The liver stores vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, which are essential for various bodily functions, including vision, bone health, blood clotting, and energy production.
6. Iron storage: The liver stores excess iron and releases it when needed. Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport.
7. Immune function: The liver plays a vital role in the immune system by removing bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances from the bloodstream.
8. Hormone regulation: The liver helps regulate hormone levels by metabolizing and eliminating hormones, such as estrogen and insulin.
9. Cholesterol regulation: The liver produces and regulates cholesterol levels in the body. It synthesizes cholesterol and also removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
10. Blood filtration: The liver filters and cleanses the blood by removing toxins, old red blood cells, and other waste products. It also helps in the production of new blood cells.