Besides heart and brain health, fish oil has another important benefit - it has powerful liver supporting properties! According to a report in the Vital Choice newsletter:
Now, a new analysis suggests that fish-derived omega-3s can help prevent and reverse fatty liver disorder. And it shows that fish fats can improve insulin sensitivity in people with the increasingly common condition, thereby discouraging diabetes.
Fatty liver disease occurs when more than 10% of liver weight becomes fat. It affects 25% of Americans and 75% of the obese population.
Fat deposition in the liver is accelerated by consuming fructose and alcohol. Neither of these substances can be as effectively utilized for energy. Instead, most of their conversion in the liver results in elevated fatty acid production. This creates elevated triglycerides, LDLs, lipid deposits, and insulin resistance.
Soda and fruit juice are the biggest contributors to American fructose consumption. An Israeli study demonstrated the connection between these two drinks and fatty liver.
Below are some of their findings:
A team based at Ziv Medical Center in Haifa reported that people who drink more than one liter (about four cups) of sweetened beverages daily were five times more likely to develop fatty liver.
Overall, the participants diagnosed with fatty liver consumed five times more sugars from soft drinks, compared to the healthy subjects.
Seven percent of the fatty liver patients consumed one soft drink per day, 55 percent consumed two or three sweet drinks per day, and 38 percent averaged more than four soft drinks per day.
The good news: Fish oil can protect the liver because it has been shown to improve triglyceride levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and decrease inflammation. However, caution is warranted to popping a few fish oil pills and chugging them down with soda pop. Supplementation of a healthy lifestyle is the best method to address the cause of a chronic condition and to prevent further degeneration.
More Reads on the Danger of Fructose:
British Medical Journal- Gout and Fructose
Nature News - Fructose and Diabetes
Dr. Mercola- Carbohydrate biochemistry 101:
Summary: Fructose=fats, it shuts down hormonal regulation of appetite in the brain, depletes energy reserve, increases insulin resistance, and contributes to fatty liver!
Reisa Mehlman
Dr. Sarah Lobisco
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