Doctors only recommend it as part of a larger lifestyle overhaul, not as a standalone treatment.
A physician explains the importance of including this superfood in your daily diet. According to studies, it might be useful in treating long-term liver diseases like NAFLD, as per a report.
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What makes beetroot juice good for your liver?
Beetroot juice has become more and more popular in recent years as a “superfood” that aids in liver “detox” and filtering; many of my patients ask me if this is what they need to reverse fatty liver. The truth is that beetroot juice protects the liver.
The liver is the body’s natural detoxifier; it makes bile to help with digestion, filters blood, metabolizes drugs and alcohol, and breaks down toxins. In healthy circumstances, the liver can function without assistance.
The liver’s function is oversimplified by the notion that a food or beverage can cleanse or detoxify it. Some nutrients and compounds, however, may promote liver health and improve its functioning, particularly in those with liver diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), those exposed to alcohol, fatty foods, and environmental pollutants, as per a report by The Indian Express.
Can beetroot really reverse fatty liver disease?
It contains antioxidants, particularly betalains, which are responsible for the deep red color of beets. Iron, magnesium, folate, and vitamin C all promote the health of organs. Polyphenols lessen inflammation. All things considered, beetroot juice is a nutrient-dense beverage that may have advantages for the liver and other systems.
Nitrates, which are abundant in beetroot juice, help the body produce nitric oxide and enhance blood flow.
Beetroot extract and juice have been investigated for their potential hepatoprotective properties. Beetroot comprises betalains and polyphenols that mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver.
What does research say about beetroot?
Research in rats indicates that beetroot extract can reduce liver inflammation indicators, implying its potential efficacy in managing chronic liver diseases such as NAFLD. Limited human studies indicate that beetroot supplementation may decrease liver enzyme levels, including ALT and AST, which serve as indicators of liver stress or injury. The natural nitrates in beetroot may enhance blood circulation and diminish hepatic fat buildup by enhancing insulin sensitivity and metabolic activity.
Is beetroot juice safe for daily use?
Beetroot juice is not a panacea, though, as it cannot repair liver damage or flush out toxins on its own. Besides beetroot juice, medical therapy and significant lifestyle modifications are necessary for liver illnesses such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Due to its high oxalate concentration, excessive beetroot juice consumption might raise the risk of kidney stones and cause beeturia, or pink or crimson urine.
Beetroot juice is beneficial for people with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, high-fat diets, and early-stage fatty liver disease.
Beetroot juice, however, needs to be paired with a diet low in processed carbohydrates and saturated fats. Enjoy beetroot juice as part of a liver-friendly, well-balanced diet, but make sure to consume enough water, limit alcohol, and engage in regular exercise.
FAQs
Can beetroot juice treat fatty liver?
Not really, however, it may help support liver function, but it cannot repair serious damage on its own. Consider it as part of a healthier lifestyle.
Is it safe to drink beetroot juice daily?
Yes, with moderation. However, excessive oxalates can cause beeturia and increase the risk of kidney stones.