GREEN TEA FOR A HEALTHY LIVER
A New study from the Journal of Nutrition has highlighted the possible role of green tea in reducing the build-up of fatty deposits in the liver.
'Fatty liver' is a major predictor of liver damage, and disease as a result of this condition is on the increase. You may think you are immune as a lean cyclist; however, the danger is not limited to the outwardly obese.
The evidence
This study, conducted at the University of Connecticut, used obese mice, with lean mice as a comparison. They fed the mice a diet containing zero, one, or two per cent green tea extract for six weeks.
The researchers reported that the supplemented obese mice had a 23-25 per cent reduction in body dimensions compared with the non-supplemented mice. The supplemented lean mice had 11-20 per cent reduction in body dimensions compared with non-supplemented mice.
Also, markers of liver damage were reduced by 30-41 per cent in the supplemented obese mice and 11-20 per cent in the supplemented lean mice. It was suggested the green tea extract could be decreasing intestinal fat absorption or altering liver fat metabolism.
Layman lowdown
Green tea is a rich source of catechins. These compounds have been found to help reduce the risk of various diseases including certain cancers, alzheimers and cardiovascular disease. Green tea also contains a polyphenol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been studied for its weight loss benefits, thought to be due to an increased metabolic rate.
This study, although conducted on mice rather than humans, is another reason to consume green tea.
CW says
The best way to protect yourself from 'fatty liver' is to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet. Even if you're lean, if you're making poor food choices you could be looking unhealthy on the inside.
Green tea, in a drink or a capsule product, is a good addition to protect your liver, and with the associated fat loss benefits, why not swap your coffee and tea drinks for green tea?
