Coffee, Curry, and More: Six Key Points for Liver Health
Coffee, Curry, and More: Six Key Points for Liver Health
Due to the influence of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, an increasing number of people today are suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). If this condition is not controlled in a timely manner, it can gradually worsen, eventually even requiring a liver transplant. Recently, the American MSN website summarized six key points for protecting your liver.
Get Off the Couch: Making exercise a habit is crucial for liver health. A recent study shows that protecting your liver involves not just scheduling more exercise but, more importantly, avoiding prolonged periods of sitting. The research suggests that even if you don't strictly adhere to a fitness routine, simply getting up from the couch and being active can reduce excess fat in the liver. So, don't sit down to watch TV right after a meal, and consider parking a bit farther away to encourage more movement.
Trim Your Waistline: Maintaining a moderate waistline is more critical than having a normal weight. A 2016 study found that for women, having a waistline exceeding 35 inches (89 centimeters) and for men, exceeding 40 inches (102 centimeters) significantly increases the risk of severe NAFLD. Therefore, it's essential to regularly measure your waistline and strive to keep it within the normal range.
Sip on Coffee: Coffee might be the best "supplement" for liver health. In several large-scale studies, researchers have discovered that coffee has liver-protective properties. They found that drinking a few cups of coffee each day helps reduce the degree of liver fibrosis, the first stage of liver damage caused by inflammation. Additionally, decaffeinated coffee and herbal teas also have benefits for maintaining liver health.
Cut Down on Sugar Intake: Sugar is one of the main culprits behind non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially fructose, which is considered the most harmful. One possible reason is that fructose is metabolized entirely by the liver, unlike sucrose and glucose, which have different metabolic pathways. However, the fructose found in fresh fruits is beneficial for liver health. Be mindful of reducing fructose intake from other food sources and limit the consumption of dried fruits.
Enjoy Curry: The nutrients in curry powder are highly beneficial for liver health, particularly one of its components: turmeric. Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which has been found to slow down the damage caused by NAFLD and other liver diseases.
Supplement Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for liver health. Animal-based sources include wild salmon, trout, and sardines, while plant-based sources include chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp seeds, walnuts, and soy, among others.
By following these six key points, you can take important steps to protect and maintain the health of your liver, reducing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related complications.
Due to the influence of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, an increasing number of people today are suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). If this condition is not controlled in a timely manner, it can gradually worsen, eventually even requiring a liver transplant. Recently, the American MSN website summarized six key points for protecting your liver.
Get Off the Couch: Making exercise a habit is crucial for liver health. A recent study shows that protecting your liver involves not just scheduling more exercise but, more importantly, avoiding prolonged periods of sitting. The research suggests that even if you don't strictly adhere to a fitness routine, simply getting up from the couch and being active can reduce excess fat in the liver. So, don't sit down to watch TV right after a meal, and consider parking a bit farther away to encourage more movement.
Trim Your Waistline: Maintaining a moderate waistline is more critical than having a normal weight. A 2016 study found that for women, having a waistline exceeding 35 inches (89 centimeters) and for men, exceeding 40 inches (102 centimeters) significantly increases the risk of severe NAFLD. Therefore, it's essential to regularly measure your waistline and strive to keep it within the normal range.
Sip on Coffee: Coffee might be the best "supplement" for liver health. In several large-scale studies, researchers have discovered that coffee has liver-protective properties. They found that drinking a few cups of coffee each day helps reduce the degree of liver fibrosis, the first stage of liver damage caused by inflammation. Additionally, decaffeinated coffee and herbal teas also have benefits for maintaining liver health.
Cut Down on Sugar Intake: Sugar is one of the main culprits behind non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially fructose, which is considered the most harmful. One possible reason is that fructose is metabolized entirely by the liver, unlike sucrose and glucose, which have different metabolic pathways. However, the fructose found in fresh fruits is beneficial for liver health. Be mindful of reducing fructose intake from other food sources and limit the consumption of dried fruits.
Enjoy Curry: The nutrients in curry powder are highly beneficial for liver health, particularly one of its components: turmeric. Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which has been found to slow down the damage caused by NAFLD and other liver diseases.
Supplement Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for liver health. Animal-based sources include wild salmon, trout, and sardines, while plant-based sources include chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp seeds, walnuts, and soy, among others.
By following these six key points, you can take important steps to protect and maintain the health of your liver, reducing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related complications.