In this video I discuss what are the functions of the liver, and what does the liver do? The liver processes nutrients, the liver produces bile, and it takes part in many other important functions in the body. Transcript The liver is the largest internal organ in your body, and it has over 250 different functions. The liver produces bile, and bile is important because it breaks down fats into smaller droplets so it can be easily absorbed in the digestive tract. The liver processes nutrients. For instance, the liver converts glucose into glycogen. Glucose is the most common carbohydrate and the key source of energy for all cells in the body, and glycogen is a form of energy storage of glucose, in the body. Speaking of glucose, the liver regulates blood glucose levels, and high blood glucose levels can damage nerves and blood vessels or lead to type 2 diabetes. The liver is also the great detoxifier, for example, it detoxifies alcohol and converts some fat soluble toxins into a water soluble form which can then be eliminated in urine. The liver also acts as a storage container as it stores about 400 calories worth of energy in the form of glycogen, and it also stores iron, copper, vitamin b12, and all of the fat soluble vitamins a, d, e and k. The liver synthesizes blood clotting proteins, blood plasma proteins, and transport proteins that carry fats and fat soluble vitamins, just to name a few. It also produces several hormones and takes part in breaking down and eliminating excess hormones. The liver takes part in breaking down and recycling red blood cells. And I could go on and on and on, but I think you probably get the point that the liver has many important functions, thus making it an extremely important organ in your body.