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Green tea for liver health -

Many foods contain compounds that have been shown to help improve liver enzymes, protect against fat buildup, and decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. The liver is responsible for body processes from producing proteins, cholesterol, and bile to storing vitamins, minerals, and even carbohydrates.

It also breaks down toxins like alcohol, medications, and natural byproducts of metabolism. Keeping your liver in good shape is important for maintaining health. Coffee is one of the best beverages you can drink to promote liver health.

Studies have shown that drinking coffee protects the liver from disease, even among those who already have health concerns related to this organ. For example, studies in a research review have shown that drinking coffee helps lower the risk of cirrhosis , or permanent liver damage, in people with chronic liver disease.

Drinking coffee may also help reduce the risk of developing a common type of liver cancer, according to a research review. It also has positive effects on liver disease and inflammation. The greatest benefits are seen in people who drink at least 3 cups of coffee daily. These benefits seem to stem from its ability to prevent the buildup of fat and collagen , the review suggests.

Fat and collagen are two of the main markers of liver disease. Coffee also increases levels of the antioxidant glutathione. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals, which are produced naturally in the body and can damage cells.

Tea is widely considered to be beneficial for health, but evidence has shown that it may have particular benefits for the liver. A review of 15 studies found that green tea reduced levels of liver enzymes in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD.

Another study had similar findings, reporting that supplementing with green tea extract for 12 weeks significantly reduced liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase ALT and aspartate aminotransferase AST in people with NAFLD.

Plus, a review found that people who drank green tea were less likely to develop liver cancer. The lowest risk was seen in people who drank four or more daily cups.

Nevertheless, some people, especially those with liver problems, should exercise caution and talk with a doctor before consuming green tea as a supplement. There have been several reports of liver damage resulting from using supplements containing green tea extract.

Grapefruit contains antioxidants that naturally protect the liver. The two main antioxidants found in grapefruit are naringenin and naringin. The protective effects of grapefruit are known to occur in two ways — by reducing inflammation and protecting cells.

According to a analysis , studies have also shown that these antioxidants can help reduce the development of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis is a harmful condition in which excessive connective tissue builds up in the liver. This typically results from chronic inflammation.

The effects of grapefruit or grapefruit juice itself, rather than its components, have not been studied. Additionally, almost all studies looking at the antioxidants in grapefruit have been conducted in animals, according to the analysis.

Nevertheless, the current evidence suggests that grapefruit may benefit liver health by helping prevent damage and inflammation. Blueberries and cranberries contain anthocyanins , which are antioxidants that give berries their distinctive colors.

One study found that taking a cranberry supplement for six months improved hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver, in people with NAFLD. But more studies are needed to determine whether this effect can be replicated in humans.

Making these berries a regular part of your diet is a good way to help make sure your liver is supplied with the antioxidants it needs to stay healthy. Grapes , especially red and purple grapes, contain various beneficial plant compounds that may benefit liver health.

More studies are needed before taking grapeseed extract to promote liver health can be recommended. Prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica is a popular type of edible cactus.

People commonly consume the fruit and its juice. It has long been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for the following conditions:. A study found that the extract of this plant might help manage symptoms of a hangover.

Prickly pear might also protect the liver from alcohol toxicity, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. More human studies are needed, especially using prickly pear fruit and juice rather than extract. But studies so far have demonstrated that prickly pear positively affects the liver.

Beetroot juice is a source of nitrates and antioxidants called betalains. Animal studies have shown that beet juice may help reduce oxidative damage and inflammation of the liver.

However, while animal studies look promising, more studies are needed to confirm the benefits of beetroot juice on human liver health.

Cruciferous vegetables are known for their high fiber content and distinctive taste. Studies suggest that cruciferous vegetables contain certain compounds that alter the detoxification process and protect against harmful compounds. In a study , mice that were fed broccoli developed fewer tumors or fatty liver disease than the mice in the control group.

Though human studies are limited, cruciferous vegetables look promising as a beneficial food for liver health. Nuts are rich in several key nutrients , including:. These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits.

A study found a diet higher in nuts to be associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD. While more high quality studies are needed, preliminary data points to nuts being an important food group for liver health. Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids , which are healthy fats that help reduce inflammation and have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

A analysis found that omega-3 fatty acids helped lower liver fat and triglycerides in those with NAFLD or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. While consuming omegarich fatty fish appears to be beneficial for your liver, adding more omega-3 fats to your diet is not the only thing to consider.

The ratio of omega-3 fats to omega-6 fats is also important. Most people exceed the intake recommendations for omega-6 fats , which are found in many plant oils and butter. So, in addition to adding more heart-healthy omega-3 fats to your diet, it may also be a good idea to reduce your intake of omega-6 fats that promote inflammation.

Olive oil is considered a healthy fat because of its many health benefits, including positive effects on the heart and metabolic health. It also positively affects the liver. According to a study from , following a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil could be associated with a reduced risk of fatty liver in older adults.

Several other studies have found similar effects of olive oil consumption in humans, including less fat accumulation in the liver and improved blood levels of liver enzymes.

Fat accumulation in the liver is part of the first stage of liver disease. Including more nutrient-dense foods in your diet is a simple but effective way to improve the health of your liver. This is because many foods contain compounds like antioxidants , which can support liver health by reducing inflammation, easing oxidative stress, and preventing cell damage.

Some foods are also high in fiber , which can help promote weight management and ensure that your liver is functioning properly. Additionally, other foods may contain nutrients like protein or healthier fats, which could be beneficial for the treatment or prevention of other conditions associated with liver disease , such as diabetes.

In addition to making changes to your diet, you can take several other to keep your liver healthy. A few examples include :. Many foods contain specific compounds or antioxidants that have been shown to support liver function.

It's called hepatotoxicity , and it happens when too many herbs or supplements — everything from ibuprofen to green tea extract — chemically induce liver damage.

This particular type, herbal hepatotoxicity, can happen when you take too much of an herbal supplement or even down too many cups of highly concentrated herbal drinks a day. So what's the offending ingredient in this normally healthy beverage?

Green tea is packed with catechins , an antioxidant compound that in the proper dose delivers big benefits such as lower cholesterol and reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

But taken in highly concentrated doses as in, those found in a lot of weight-loss supplements and teas , it can cause herbal hepatotoxicity. These super-concentrated doses cause the cells of your liver to become overwhelmed and start breaking down.

This can cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, severe abdominal pain, and jaundice. Figuring out how much is too much, though, isn't an exact science, says Christopher Hobbs, Ph. That means that they will affect one person as a liver toxin, while many others are not at all affected," he says.

How your liver will transform and eliminate or utilize many natural compounds is determined by genetics, but also what else you are eating and drinking," explains Hobbs. Does this mean you have to worry every time you have a cup of tea? Honestly, not really. It's when you start taking highly concentrated doses that we run into problems," he explains.

The National Library of Medicine backs this up, noting that it's incredibly rare for someone to suffer liver damage from drinking plain old green tea.

The problem is more often seen as a result of the use of those aforementioned supplements that are stuffed with highly concentrated green tea extract.

Liver damage shouldn't be at the top of your mind if you want to enjoy a daily cuppa. If you're downing herbal tea like it's water, though, consider having a conversation with your physician and letting them know the types and brands of tea you're drinking to make sure you're safe, recommends Dr.

Or, if you've started drinking lots of matcha , it might not be a bad idea to check in with your doc since it's a concentrated form of green tea.

As for supplements , you should always play it on the safe side, as even natural ingredients can carry some serious side effects. Bottom line: Pay attention to what you're putting into your body. Just because it's natural, doesn't mean more is better.

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Reviews and recommendations are gea Stress management techniques for better focus Greenn are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an Immune system maintenance commission from ehalth made fir links on Stress management techniques for better focus page. Green tea is Gfeen known for Green tea for liver health health benefits, but a new study is raising concerns over a rare, but serious side effect for some green tea drinkers. The study conducted by Israeli and Canadian researchers from Clalit Health Service, Kaplan Medical Center and the University of Toronto found the tea plant contains botanical toxins that could cause a metabolic reaction and result in liver damage in some people. According to the study, published in peer-reviewed academic journal GastroHepthere are more than cases of liver inflammation due to green tea extract. But for some people, drinking green tea in combination with other medicines and herbs can lead to liver injury. At the same time, though, evidence has accumulated from cases around the world about people who got hepatitis after drinking more green tea. Our websites may heealth Green tea for liver health to Lean Mass Exercises and enhance your experience. Yea continuing without changing your Glycogen replenishment for triathletes settings, you agree to Gresn Stress management techniques for better focus. For teea information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice. February 9, Elizabeth Omara-Otunnu - UConn Communications. A study led by nutritional scientist Richard Bruno has found that green tea can help mitigate the impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Bruno and his research team have found that the daily ingestion of green tea blocks the amount of fat stored in the livers of obese mice; improves liver function; and reverses declines in antioxidant defenses in the liver.