The liver, often referred to as the body’s “chemical factory,” plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances. However, there is one type of beverage that can wreak havoc on the liver just as much as excessive alcohol consumption, and many Vietnamese people unknowingly consume it daily, even considering it a favorite drink.
The Dark Side of Sugary Drinks: A Liver Hazard Comparable to Alcohol
Research has revealed that overindulging in sugary drinks can take a toll on the liver, similar to alcohol abuse, increasing the risks of fatty liver disease and liver cancer.
Despite these alarming findings, sugary drinks are widely consumed by Vietnamese people daily, unaware of the detrimental effects they have on liver health.
A study published in the renowned medical journal JAMA involved 98,786 women aged 50-79 over a period of more than 20 years. Conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School, the study unveiled the dire consequences of sugary drinks on the liver.
The results showed that those who consumed at least one serving of sugary drinks or sweetened fruit juice daily had a 1.75 times higher risk of developing liver cancer and a 2.5 times greater likelihood of dying from chronic liver disease compared to those who consumed less than three servings of such drinks per month.
The researchers explained that frequent consumption of sugary drinks not only increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease but also promotes insulin resistance and inflammation. These factors are closely associated with liver health and the progression of liver cancer.
Expert Recommendations for Liver Wellness
To safeguard liver health, medical experts advise limiting the intake of sugary drinks. Instead, they recommend opting for healthier alternatives that benefit the liver.
Liver-Friendly Beverage Options
+ Coffee
Coffee not only boosts alertness but also offers numerous health benefits, especially for the liver. The compounds in coffee help curb fat accumulation in the liver and exhibit antioxidant properties, protecting the liver from damage.
Experts suggest consuming 2-3 cups of coffee daily to support liver health.
+ Green Tea
Green tea has long been recognized for its health benefits, including enhancing liver function. According to published research, green tea can help lower liver enzyme levels in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
+ Water
Water is essential for maintaining the liver’s normal functioning and supporting the detoxification process. Dehydration can disrupt metabolism, reducing the body’s ability to break down fat, which increases the risk of fatty liver disease.
+ Beetroot Juice
Beetroot is a nutrient-dense food rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients such as folate, pectin, betaine, vitamins A and C, and minerals. Studies indicate that beetroot can help prevent or reduce fat accumulation in the liver while protecting it from toxins and oxidative stress-induced damage.
