Fatty liver disease refers to the condition where excessive fat accumulates within liver cells. The disease develops partly out of excessive fat consumed by the affected individual, which, in some cases, might cross the recommended limit. Some of these fats get stored in adjoining areas of the liver, thereby contributing to fatty liver disease. It needs to be noted here that foods for fatty liver diseases are good for a plethora of other problems that depend essentially on good nutrition. Before we start discussing foods that can cure or heal fatty liver disease, let us first focus on the ones you should avoid in order for the diet to be effective. The list includes fried food, carbonated drinks, concentrated sugar or butter to name a few. The diet for fatty liver is primarily focused on helping people to reduce triglyceride levels, decrease liver inflammation and reduce weight. Keeping such considerations in mind, here is a list of seven foods, known to work wonders for fatty liver disease.
Fruits
The diet chart of a person affected by fatty liver disease when infused with fruits is likely to bear, well fruits for the person in question. A question that needs to be answered is that how exactly do fruits help a patient of fatty liver disease to stay healthy. Well, the answer to this is that in the first place they are low fat. Secondly, they are also considerably low in sodium. Thirdly, they are packed with high fibers and minerals essential for the body. Moreover, fruits are also known to be good sources of natural vitamins- nutrients which are not only good for the liver but for your overall health as well.
Avocado, Apple, Cantaloupe, Banana, Casaba, Grape, Melon, Lemon, Honeydew melon, Kiwi, Lemon, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pomegranate, Pineapple, Watermelon and Tangerine are amongst the list of fruits which provide countless benefits that you can choose for desserts or snacks.
Vegetables
The number of scientific facts indicating the health benefits that many vegetables have is getting bigger with each passing day. They work wonders not only for fatty liver but for a plethora of other diseases as well. The veggie secret is made up of minerals, fibers, unique active compounds and vitamins which work to create a powerful synergy. Consumption of vegetables from different colors and families ensures a fine balance between components needed by the body and achieving optimum health benefits for fatty liver disease. Eating a diet rich in vegetables reduces the amount of saturated fat, says research. Boldo tea strengthens the gallbladder, while Dandelion and Silymarin makes your liver grow stronger. Vegetables like onion, Cabbage, Broccoli, Carrot, Peppers, Tomato, Beat and Garlic are also known to have a miraculous effect on the symptoms of fatty liver.
Lean protein foods
In fatty liver disease, it is always advisable to go for lean proteins like fish and poultry, instead of high calorie protein foods like fatty beef. The latter is bad for the liver because it contains cholesterol and saturated fat in large amounts. Lean proteins, on the other hand, are low in fat. Protein being a filling nutrient, it can also help in weight control. Fish has been found to be especially healthy because it contains omega-3 fats. Hence, eat fish and fresh meats instead of processed food like jerky or cold cuts, which can be high in sodium. Research shows that sodium increases liver fat. Lean sources of protein can also be found in skinless meat poultry, egg whites, lean lamb, lean pork and venison. However, for best results, the process of cooking needs to be supervised carefully. Cook by grilling, roasting, steaming, broiling to lessen the amount of fat and reduce visible fats from all meats.
Low fat dairy products
Including dairy products that help lower cholesterol levels and allow for consistent weight loss as part of your overall diet would require you to change the way you use normally use dairy products. Dairy, especially non-fat or low fat products improve your diet and lower fat when incorporated into a calorie controlled and well balanced diet. To begin with, make the switch from whole milk to a fat free or lower fat variety gradually. Start by replacing two ounces of your eight ounce cup of milk with reduced fat milk. The amount of reduced fat milk needs to be increased until it fills your cup completely. Use reduced or fat free milk in your coffee. Get the sour cream in your recipe replaced with reduced fat or fat-free yoghurt. Finally, when you go looking for dairy products, be sure to pick the low fat varieties.
Whole grains
There are countless whole grains considered to be low in fat and high in fiber. They are good sources of Vitamin E, Vitamin Bs, Magnesium, Iron and Fiber. These include wild rice, brown rice, oats, whole wheat breads, popcorn, whole wheat, whole rye, wheat grain pastas and crackers. In our opinion, it is always advisable to minimize the intake of or to stay away from white foods like sugar, white rice, flour and salt. Keeping such considerations in mind, make plans to start your day with a plate of simple oatmeal.
Beans
Garbanzo, kidney and black beans are great choices as they supply dietary fiber and protein as well as a plethora of minerals and vitamins. Black beans, however, it needs to be considered, are higher in fiber than the other two choices mentioned above and provide extra magnesium. Chickpeas or Garbanzo beans are slightly higher in vitamin B. B vitamins such as B5, B12 and B6 promote liver function. Rich in fiber and iron content, beans, therefore, deserve to be included in your diet chart for fatty liver. There is a wide variety of beans for people to choose from. Make selections for each dish based on texture, flavor and color. While black beans are flavorful and earthy, kidney beans are milder, with an added capacity to absorb flavor from seasonings. Garbanzo beans, on the other hand, provide a nutty taste.
Garlic
Certain antioxidants like onion and garlic support healthy liver function. Moreover, they also make the food taste great. From the vampire hunter to the village healer, garlic has made its way through legends and myths and is now finally being tested by the medical community for potential health benefits. One of the many claims associated with garlic’s health properties is that it actually cleanses the liver. We are not very sure about the validity of the term cleanse, but garlic’s beneficial effects on the liver and body present promises.