As the number of people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH) – commonly known as fatty liver disease – continues to rise, a study finds the benefits of green leafy vegetables to protect your liver.
In France, thousands of people suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), sometimes without knowing it. Generally called “fatty liver disease”, this pathology particularly strikes overweight or obese people. The liver can no longer process fat, and initially silent, the disease can then create serious liver damage. In question? Our western way of life, made up of too many sodas, processed foods and fatty foods. Today, there is still no treatment. Swedish researchers published a study in the journal Proceedingsin which they explain that a compound found in green leafy vegetables could protect the liver and prevent disease.
Inorganic nitrates protect the liver
Fatty liver disease can later lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. A compound found naturally in green leafy vegetables may help reduce fat buildup in the organ. This is inorganic nitrate. Indeed, the researchers divided mice into three groups. Each group had a different diet: normal, high fat, and supplemented with inorganic nitrates.
Unsurprisingly, the group of mice fed a fat-only diet gained weight. His blood sugar level also increased. Consequences which were of lesser magnitude in mice having ingested inorganic nitrates in addition. “When we added nitrate to the diet of mice fed a diet high in fat and sugar, we found a significantly lower proportion of fat in the liver,” explains Mattias Carlström, lead author of the study.
Other Benefits of Green Leafy Vegetables
The researchers also found that the rodents had lower blood pressure. They also believe that green leafy vegetables such as celery, spinach and arugula can protect against certain metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. The medical community hails the benefits of green leafy vegetables without really knowing what makes them so healthy. “No one has focused on nitrates yet, which we believe is key,” continues Mattias Carlström. Next step: carry out new studies to confirm that nitrates are essential for liver health. In the meantime, improving your lifestyle is an excellent first step to protecting your liver, by playing sports and eating a balanced diet.
