"Green tea"A popular health drink—but did you know it directly affects the liver? Nutritionists reveal that the antioxidant EGCG helps reduce fatty liver and inflammation if consumed in appropriate amounts.
When discussing drinking habits that impact the liver, the first beverage that comes to mind for most people is"alcohol."However, in reality, our daily drink choices—whether bubble milk tea, soda, or even health drinks like"green tea"—all significantly affect the liver.
Recent statistics from a medical journal specializing in gastroenterology and hepatology indicate that currently,"metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease"(MASLD, formerly known as NAFLD) threatens nearly 40% of the global population, with high-sugar drinks being a major trigger. Conversely, daily drinks like tea or coffee can be protective for the liver if consumed correctly.
Malina Malkani, a nutrition expert and founder of Malina Malkani Nutrition, explained that the liver functions as the command center of the digestive system, filtering toxins, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol, and producing bile to break down fats. Therefore, what we drink daily directly impacts the liver.
Regular green tea consumption benefits the liver in both the short and long term, mainly due to EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), a potent antioxidant.
Mckenzie Dryden, a dietitian at HonorHealth Whole Health Institute, points out that antioxidants in green tea can rapidly reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in liver cells within weeks. This oxidative stress accelerates cell degeneration leading to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, Diana Cusa, a senior dietitian at Plainview Hospital, adds that green tea supports the liver by:
Over the long term, consistent green tea consumption for months or years can improve blood markers and liver enzyme levels, effectively lowering the risk of cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
Although green tea offers tremendous benefits, experts warn of caution regarding"caffeine content."Because green tea has a diuretic effect, excessive intake may cause dehydration.
The biggest concern among nutritionists is"concentrated green tea extract supplements,"especially when taken on an empty stomach for weight loss. Malina Malkani warns that such supplements are far more concentrated than brewed green tea and can cause acute liver inflammation or liver injury within weeks, particularly in individuals with the specific genetic marker HLA-B35:01, who are at higher risk than the general population.
Therefore, if you have existing liver disease or are taking weight-loss supplements containing green tea extract, you should consult your doctor closely.
Nutritionists recommend a safe and beneficial amount for the liver is 2–5 cups of freshly brewed green tea per day. One cup (about 8 ounces) contains roughly 50–100 milligrams of EGCG, an optimal amount to stimulate metabolism and protect liver cells.
However, green tea is not a miracle cure to detoxify the liver overnight. Its benefits multiply when combined with healthy lifestyle habits such as balanced eating, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol, which are the most sustainable ways to care for the liver.
Source:Parade