2023-09-06 23:09:16
Turmeric is a versatile plant that is known for its nutritional properties; in particular, it has been studied for its effects in the treatment of fatty liver and other chronic diseases.
Typically grown in Asia and Central America, this plant is often used as a spice as it is an essential ingredient in ground curry. It is also used as a dye, since it obtains a bright yellow color after being processed.
Turmeric consumption can bring great benefits to the human body. | Photo: © Lew Robertson
Meanwhile, in traditional Indian medicine it is used to soothe inflammatory ailments and disorders. Hence, it has been studied as a possible adjuvant against fatty liver.
Helps fight fatty liver
The liver is the second largest organ in the human body. It is responsible for processing nutrients from food and filtering harmful substances from the blood. Different diseases such as hepatic steatosis or fatty liver can develop in this organ, a condition that is caused by the excessive accumulation of fat in this area.
Turmeric is a possible adjuvant against fatty liver. | Photo: Getty Images
Having high levels of fat in the liver can cause inflammation, which ends in considerable damage and scarring. In the most serious cases, the scars cause liver failure or liver failure, a level of deterioration in which this organ loses the ability to fulfill its function.
The antioxidant effects of turmeric have been linked to an improvement in liver function. This is because they can prevent some toxins from causing damage to this organ. Below, we detail other benefits that are attributed to this natural ingredient.
1. Helps protect against liver diseases related to oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is produced by an imbalance in cells, caused by an increase in free radicals and a decrease in antioxidants. This cellular deterioration is considered a key factor in liver damage, which is also induced by agents such as alcohol, drugs, and viral infections, among others.
A study published in Nutrients determined that curcumin, the active ingredient of this plant, has several functions capable of protecting and treating the liver. In general, it works as a free radical scavenger. However, further studies are still required to consider the efficacy of curcumin against oxidation-associated liver diseases.
Turmeric can help relieve chronic pain and inflammation. | Photo: Getty Images
2. May Improve Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
According to a review of studies published in Integrative Medicine Research, curcumin supplementation may be effective in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Similarly, a study published in Phytotherapy Research found that this compound can reduce liver fat content in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as body mass index, levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, among others.
This study also shows that curcumin is safe and well tolerated by the body. However, more clinical research is still required, so turmeric and its supplements are not considered a first-line treatment for fatty liver disease.
How effective is turmeric?
Despite the fact that there are studies that link curcumin, the active principle of turmeric, with liver protection, an improvement in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and a significant reduction in liver fat, this plant in its different forms presentations cannot be used as a first choice treatment.
It is also recommended to consult with your doctor before starting to ingest herbs or take turmeric supplements to help treat fatty liver. It should not be ignored that this disease is chronic and requires another type of approach.
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