Photo: Karolina Grabowska / Pexels
Photo: Karolina Grabowska / Pexels
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common causes of liver disease in the United States. Following a healthy diet can help prevent liver damage or reverse liver disease in the early stages.
Experts estimate that around 24% of American adults have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Nutritionists from the University of Chicago Medicine recommend drinking three cups of coffee a day.
Drinking coffee reduces risk of chronic liver disease. For people who already have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, regular consumption of coffee reduces the chances of developing cirrhosis.
Coffee can also help deduct the risk of liver cancer. The maximum protective effect of coffee on the liver is seen in about 3 to 4 cups a day, according to a study published in the journal BMC Public Health .
The active compounds in coffee don’t just include caffeine. Also flavonoids, lignans and other polyphenols.
Dietitians and nutritionists of the University of Chicago Medicine also recommend consuming 4 tablespoons of olive oil a day and following a Mediterranean diet , which emphasizes the consumption mainly of foods of vegetable origin and healthy fats.
In people who include olive oil in substitution of other fats Like butter and margarine, a greater decrease in liver fat has been found.
The Mediterranean diet does is an eating plan that emphasizes eating more fruits and vegetables, more whole grains, nuts, beans and other legumes, herbs and spices.
Animal proteins are consumed in smaller amounts, being the preferred animal protein fish and shellfish, at least a couple of times a week; poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt in moderation, in smaller portions, either daily or a few times a week. Less red meat and added sugars.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes healthy fats. Olive oil is recommended as the main added fat . Other foods that naturally contain healthy fats stand out, such as avocados, nuts, and fatty fish such as salmon and sardines; Among these, nuts and fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
If you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, you should minimize alcohol consumption , which can further damage your liver.
It may interest you:
–Drinking coffee daily: what are the types of cancer it can prevent
–6 foods and drinks that most damage the health of your liver
–Obesity and fatty liver: sugar can be as harmful as alcohol