Can these three drinks help reduce fatty liver? Nutritionists share their insights.
In a recent Instagram reel, Harvard-trained Dr. Saurabh Sethi recommended three drinks—green tea, coffee, and beetroot juice—to help combat fatty liver. To explore the potential benefits of these beverages further, indianexpress.com consulted nutritionists for their
In a recent Instagram reel, Harvard-trained Dr. Saurabh Sethi recommended three drinks—green tea, coffee, and beetroot juice—to help combat fatty liver. To explore the potential benefits of these beverages further, indianexpress.com consulted nutritionists for their expert opinions.
“Green tea is rich in catechins, compounds that can enhance liver function and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. Coffee is associated with lower liver enzyme levels, indicating improved liver health. Beetroot juice contains betaine, which can help reduce fat buildup in the liver,” explained Suman Agarwal, founder and nutritionist at SelfcarebySuman.
How often should these drinks be consumed?
“For optimal liver health, aim for three to four cups of coffee, two to three cups of green tea, and one cup of beetroot juice daily,” advised nutritionist Pooja Palriwala. She noted that these amounts are generally safe and may help reduce liver enzyme levels, enhance liver function, and aid detoxification.
However, Palriwala cautioned that excessive green tea intake could lead to liver toxicity, and beetroot juice, which is high in natural sugars, may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with diabetes.
Registered dietitian Pooja Shelat added, “The betaine in beetroot supports the liver’s ability to process and eliminate fats, preventing their accumulation. Beetroot also contains nitrates that improve blood flow and promote better liver function.” She recommended consuming whole beetroot in salads rather than juice, as the juice lacks fiber and contains high sugar levels.
Both experts suggested drinking green tea and coffee in the morning or early afternoon to boost alertness while minimizing the risk of sleep disturbances and other side effects.
Agarwal also highlighted that beetroot’s high sugar content makes it unsuitable for diabetics. She warned that excessive consumption of green tea and coffee could lead to sleep issues, acidity, reduced iron absorption, and gut problems. To avoid these side effects, she recommended consuming these drinks with or after meals rather than on an empty stomach.
