Tea Linked to a Healthier Liver

Tea Linked to a Healthier Liver

Multiple studies have been released to the effect that tea makes you happier and healthier. From clearing you mind, to preventing cancer – it is a great drink. Now, with more good news, tea is linked to a healthier liver.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic,  one-third of the American population is affected by this disorder. NAFLD is more prevalent in obese and diabetic people, with more than 25 percent of obese suffering from NAFLD.

A new study conducted by researchers from Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School found that a person’s morning cup of tea does more than just perk him up for work. Tea  actually helps to reduce fatty liver in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. There is no medical treatment for this disease, save for exercise and a controlled diet. During the course of the study that was conducted on mice, researchers found that an extra intake of caffeine stimulated the metabolization of lipids stored in liver cells and decreased the fatty liver of mice that were fed a high-fat diet.  Study authors recommended up to four cups of caffeine daily to prevent and protect against the progression of NAFLD in humans.

Paul Yen, M.D., associate professor said

 “Coffee and tea are so commonly consumed and the notion that they may be therapeutic, especially since they have a reputation for being “bad” for health, is especially enlightening.This is the first detailed study of the mechanism for caffeine action on lipids in liver and the results are very interesting,”

Though researchers did confirm that caffeine can help promote a healthier liver, the quantity of caffeine to be consumed plays a vital role.

This study on applies to caffeinated teas, so drinking more herbal teas would not help achieving this effect if you may be suffering from NAFLD. It is great news though, as even Green Tea has small levels of caffeine and can help with multiple diseases. Of course it is always important to consult your doctor before going on any sort of regime.  Either way, this study is certainly something to raise a cuppa too and another reason to have one more cup of black tea.