Can Moringa Leaves Benefit Fatty Liver? Here Is What Experts Say

Moringa leaves can provide an array of benefits that may range from promoting wound healing to regulating blood glucose. Moringa offers several key nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B1 or thiamine, vitamin B2 or riboflavin, vitamin B3 or niacin, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorous.

It contains low fat with no dangerous cholesterol. It contains beneficial antioxidants like quercetin and chlorogenic acid. These compounds can effectively neutralise free radicals that can bring down oxidative stress and improve cellular health. It subsequently enhances mood and supports nervous disorder.

Benefits Of Moringa Leaves

Protects Liver Health: Moringa can offer protection to liver health against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD. According to a study featured in National Library of Medicine, the leaves contain compounds that can benefit fatty liver disease. One of these compounds can effectively help in decreasing build up of fat in liver cells and boost the activity of proteins that can break down fat. ¹ It is worth mentioning here that the study was not performed on humans. Therefore, more research is required to arrive at the claim that moringa offers protection to liver.

Prevents Cancer: Moringa offers qualities that can prevent cancer. It offers an essential compound namely niazimicin that can stop the development of cancer cells. The extracts of moringa leaves, bark, and some other parts of the plant contain qualities that can kill cancer cells. It can be useful in preventing and curing breast, liver, colorectal, and other types of cancers.

Prevents Rheumatoid Arthritis: The extract of moringa can offers anti-inflammatory properties that can significantly prevent rheumatoid arthritis. However, more studies need to be conducted to confirm the findings in humans, according to a report published in Medical News Today. ²

Treats Nervous Disorder: The presence of antioxidants in moringa can protect against disorders that can impact nervous systems such as multiple sclerosis or MS, neuropathic pain, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. Moringa may contain neuroprotective qualities that help it treat nervous disorder.

Boosts Immunity: Moringa powder can boost immunity as it is rich source of vitamin C and iron. It supports the production of red blood cells.

Regulates Diabetes: The leaf extract of Moringa can support blood sugar and insulin control that can alleviate diabetes-linked complications.

Supports Cardiovascular Health: Moringa offers several antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties like quercetin that can protect cardiovascular health. Presence of quercetin can prevent lipid formation and inflammation, that can lead to heart disease. Moringa may also offer cholesterol controlling and lowering properties.  

Recently, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, also known as the gut doctor, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, took to his Instagram account and shared three powerful drinks for individuals with fatty liverliver. “I am a liver specialist, and these are the three drinks I often recommend to my patients with fatty liver disease," he said in the Instagram video. Here they are:

1. Beetroot Juice

Beetroot juice has emerged a magical drink that can cure several diseases with great ease. It possesses nitrates and antioxidants, essential for healthy liver. The presence of high content of betaine and betalains that can bring down liver fat, offers protection against oxidative stress, fights inflammation, and helps detoxification. The juice can effectively reverse fat accumulation and boosts liver enzymes such as ALT/AST. Several studies indicate the juice can dissolve fat in the liver and reduces dangerous lipids. Moderation will be key to avoid higher sugar intake. Dr Sethi said, “it is packed with betalains that are powerful antioxidants that can protect liver cells and reduce fat accumulation. Drink in moderation so the sugar does not outweigh the benefits.”

2. Coffee

Experts often recommend coffee as the drink is linked with a lower risk of liver disease that may include fatty liver. The presence of antioxidants and compounds such as chlorogenic acid can bring down fat deposits, inflammation, and fibrosis or scarring. The drink boosts metabolism, enhances liver enzymes like ALT/AST, increases insulin sensitivity, and prevents liver cells from damage. Studies claim that there will be lower risk of liver disease and cancer for those consuming it on a regular basis. Benefits have been associated with black coffee. Dr Sethi suggested, “it can lower the risk of fatty liver and fibrosis. Choose organic and skip sugar. A touch of honey, monkfruit or stevia without erythritol additives- are all fine.”  

3. Green tea

It is an excellent source of antioxidants such as catechins that can bring down liver fat and enhance liver enzymes. The anti-inflammatory nature of the drink can protect the liver from further damage. If you are keen to reap the benefits of green tea to deal with fatty liver, it is significant to consume it regularly. “It is rich in catechins like EGCG, which is shown to improve liver enzymes and reduce fat buildup," Dr. Sethi added. 

References

1. National Library of Medicine|Fatty Liver

2. Medical News Today|Fatty Liver

3. Gut Doctor Dr. Saurabh Sethi| Instagram

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.