Fatty liver is a condition that's affecting more and more people every day and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most widely experienced. Obesity and diabetes are two conditions that drastically increase one’s chances of developing a fatty liver.
A new study is showing that the polyphenols in turmeric may be helpful for reducing the risk of fatty liver while decreasing stress at the cellular level. This study is just one of the recent examples in the literature showing a strong benefit of turmeric with liver health.
The Secret Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric has far more benefits than just adding color and flavor to your curry. An explosion of research in the field of nutrition has revealed surprising benefits of turmeric, from combating the damage of UV rays to protecting against neurological disorders. [3] Turmeric could very well be one of the most healthiest spices in the world. There is also some evidence that turmeric may support a healthy aging process and aid with weight loss. It seems as though turmeric is a bit like vitamin D in that it holds promise for a wide range of health issues.
Most people are unaware that turmeric comes in many different forms. A highly concentrated extract of turmeric provides the most benefit, but the powdered and raw root form of the spice is also beneficial.
Piperine, the active ingredient in black pepper, increases the absorption of turmeric’s active curcumin compounds.[4] It may be helpful to consume your turmeric with a bit of black pepper to boost the health benefits.
Other Ways to Support Liver Health
There are two types of fatty liver: alcoholic fatty liver and nonalcoholic fatty liver. Prior to the 20th century, alcoholic fatty liver was the primary condition suffered by adults. But today, people of all ages suffer from fatty liver due to high rates of obesity and insulin resistance.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is commonly caused by eating too many refined carbohydrates over a lifetime and is associated with metabolic syndrome. Fortunately, it is a reversible condition.
However, the real change will come from consuming liver-cleansing foods on a regular basis, getting plenty of exercise, and eating a diet that is low in refined sugars and simple carbohydrates.If you want to try a high-quality turmeric supplement, I recommend Global Healing's Organic Turmeric Raw Herbal Extract™.
References (4)
- Yiu WF, Kwan PL, Wong CY, et al. Attenuation of fatty liver and prevention of hypercholesterolemia by extract of Curcuma longa through regulating the expression of CYP7A1, LDL-receptor, HO-1, and HMG-CoA reductase. J Food Sci. 2011 Apr;76(3):H80-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02042.
- Yiu WF, Kwan PL, Wong CY, et al. Attenuation of fatty liver and prevention of hypercholesterolemia by extract of Curcuma longa through regulating the expression of CYP7A1, LDL-receptor, HO-1, and HMG-CoA reductase. J Food Sci. 2011 Apr;76(3):H80-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02042.
- Sumiyoshi M, Kimura Y. Effects of a turmeric extract (Curcuma longa) on chronic ultraviolet B irradiation-induced skin damage in melanin-possessing hairless mice. Phytomedicine. 2009 Dec;16(12):1137-43. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.06.003.
- Rinwa P, Kumar A. Piperine potentiates the protective effects of curcumin against chronic unpredictable stress-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative damage in mice. Brain Res. 2012 Dec 7;1488:38-50. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.10.002.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
