MASLD is gradually emerging as one of the most common disease globally.
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MASLD ranges in severity from hepatic steatosis — sometimes called diffuse hepatic steatosis, or formerly fatty liver infiltration or simply fatty liver — to a more severe form of disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known by the name non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver condition that can impact individuals with higher weight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. When a person suffers from MASLD, he will experience accumulation of fat in the liver.
MASLD is increasingly becoming common in urban areas where many people are increasingly suffering from obesity. It is worth noting here that MASLD is gradually emerging as one of the most common disease globally.
According to Mayo Clinic, “MASLD ranges in severity from hepatic steatosis — sometimes called diffuse hepatic steatosis, or formerly fatty liver infiltration or simply fatty liver — to a more severe form of disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).” 1
MASH may cause liver to swell or expand, also known as hepatomegaly. MASH causes fat build up in the liver that can lead to liver damage. In extreme scenarios, it may cause serious liver scarring known as cirrhosis or even cancer in the liver.
The possible symptoms of MASLD will include fatigue, feeling unwell also known as malaise, and pain in upper belly area.
The major symptoms of MASH will be itchy skin, breath shortness, enlarged spleen, spiderlike blood vessels under skin’s surface, change in skin colours around palm area, yellowing of skin and eyes known as jaundice, leg swelling, and abdominal swelling.
Recently, Dr Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford, took to his Instagram account and shared some of the beneficial oils that can manage fatty liver disease and oils that can aggravate the disease. 2
Dr Saurabh Sethi highlighted some of the worst oils that can deteriorate fatty liver disease. Below they are:
Soyabean Oil
Corn Oil
Cottonseed Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Canola oil
Dr Sethi recommended 5 best oils that can be beneficial for fatty liver. He recommended extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, cold-pressed mustard oil, sesame oil, and flaxseed oil.
1. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The oil is an integral part of Mediterrnean diet, that is extensively recommended for managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD. The consumption of the oil can potentially reduce the grade of hepatic steatosis. It functions by decreasing the creation of new fat in liver and enhancing fatty acid oxidation.
Regular intake of the oil can reduce liver enzyme marker like ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase), indicators of liver inflammation. The oil helps the body process glucose more efficiently by reducing insulin resistance that frequently leads to fat accumulation in liver.
2. Avocado Oil: The oil can significantly decrease fat build-up, inflammation, and oxidative stress. It is an excellent source of monosaturated fats and antioxidants that can boost mitochondrial function and regulate metabolism. It has been considered as one of the most useful liver friendly oils that can replace unhealthy saturated fats.
3. Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil: It I beneficial for the disease especially when consumed in moderation and a part of balanced diet. It can manage liver health by decreasing fat accumulation and inflammation. It is a great source of monosaturated fats or MUFA and polyunsaturated fats or PUFA, especially Omega-3 that can lower bad cholesterol, boost metabolic capacity, and reduce liver stress.
4. Sesame Oil: According to a report highlighted in National Library of Medicine, sesame oil supports in curing fatty liver (NAFLD/MASLD) by decreasing fat accumulation, reducing liver enzymes (AST and ALT), and fighting oxidative stress. It is a powerful source of sesamin and unsaturated fat. It helps in enhancing lipid profiles, decreases inflammation, and boosts fatty acid oxidation. 3
5. Flaxseed Oil: Regular intake of flaxseed oil can decrease hepatic steatosis (fat buildup) by preventing enzymes responsible for creating new fat and enhancing those that burn it. The oil has been linked with major decrease in elevated liver enzymes like ALT and AST, key markers of liver inflammation and damage.
FAQs
What oils are considered best for managing fatty liver disease?
The top oils recommended by Dr. Saurabh Sethi for managing fatty liver disease include extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, cold-pressed mustard oil, sesame oil, and flaxseed oil. These oils help reduce fat accumulation, lower liver enzyme levels, and decrease inflammation associated with MASLD.
Why are soybean, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, and canola oils bad for fatty liver?
Soybean, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, and canola oils are classified as the worst oils for fatty liver because they can promote fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver, potentially worsening metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease.
How does extra virgin olive oil benefit patients with MASLD?
Extra virgin olive oil reduces new fat creation in the liver and enhances fatty acid oxidation. It also decreases liver enzymes ALT and AST, which indicate liver inflammation. Additionally, it helps reduce insulin resistance, improving glucose metabolism to prevent fat buildup in the liver.
Can these recommended oils replace unhealthy saturated fats in the diet?
Yes, oils like avocado, mustard, sesame, and flaxseed are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can effectively replace unhealthy saturated fats. This substitution helps reduce liver fat accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Are there any symptoms that indicate progression from MASLD to MASH?
Symptoms indicating progression to MASH include itchy skin, shortness of breath, enlarged spleen, spider-like blood vessels on the skin, skin color changes on palms, jaundice, leg swelling, and abdominal swelling, which suggest more serious liver damage beyond simple fatty liver.
Mayo Clinic|fatty liver disease
Dr. Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist via Instagram| 5 worst oil and 5 best oils for fatty liver
National Library of Medicine|Sesamolin Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Modulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet-Fed Mice
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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