The liver is a vital organ that protects the body from many diseases. It also stores fat and helps to break down food. A recent study found that mice on a high-fat diet who consumed green tea extract had fewer lipid deposits in the liver and more protein in their feces.
It is a natural antioxidant
Green tea is a natural antioxidant that helps fight against liver damage and improves the function of the liver. It contains few calories and is loaded with nutrients, including fatty acids. According to a study published in the “Liver International” ISI Journal Citation Reports 2016, drinking green tea daily can help prevent and treat fatty liver disease. The study found that ingesting the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) daily significantly reduced the amount of fat stored in the livers of overweight mice.
EGCG is one of many compounds in green tea known as catechins. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that can bind to and saturate free radicals in the body. Some research has shown that consuming too much EGCG can cause liver damage in some people. Stephen Malnick, a gastroenterology and internal medicine specialist at Kaplan Medical Center, tells the Jerusalem Post that the high concentration of EGCG in supplements can cause liver damage in susceptible people.
Studies in rats have shown that consuming green tea polyphenols increases phase II antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, GSH reductase, catalase, and quinone reductase. These enzymes neutralize oxidative stress and protect against liver injury and cell death. However, the link between green tea and liver damage is unclear, because some people are able to drink high amounts of the beverage without experiencing hepatotoxicity.
It is a diuretic
Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help improve liver function. The catechins in green tea also prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver, which is a common cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). They also block the formation of new fat cells and inhibit the enzymes that break down lipids in the liver. The catechins in green tea are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. They are able to decrease the production of harmful free radicals, and they can even slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
However, drinking too much green tea may lead to hepatotoxicity in some people. Several studies have reported elevated aminotransferase levels in people who drink too much green tea. The USP Dietary Supplements Expert Committee investigated the problem and suggested that a warning should be included on the label of products containing green tea extract.
Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine, which is a diuretic. It is important to drink a cup of unsweetened green tea instead of a sweetened one. This is because sweeteners increase the diuretic effects of green tea by forcing your body to urinate more frequently in order to compensate for the excess fluid. This is especially true if you are taking green tea in pill form. This is because the pills contain a higher concentration of the active ingredients.
It is a hepatotoxin
Green tea is a good source of phytochemicals called polyphenols, which have been shown to be helpful in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. It also contains a powerful antioxidant, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is believed to be responsible for many of its health benefits. However, excessive consumption of green tea can cause liver damage.
A recent study by the USP Dietary Supplements Expert Committee examined reports of hepatotoxicity from people who took green tea extract supplements. It found that the incidence of hepatotoxicity was much lower than in previous studies, and that there was no significant heterogeneity in the results. The hepatotoxicity rate was also similar when different statistical methods were used, including the Mantel-Haenszel method and the Peto method.
While hepatotoxicity from green tea is rare, it can happen, particularly if it is consumed in high doses or combined with certain medications. Dr. David Malnick, a gastroenterology specialist at Kaplan Medical Center, told the Jerusalem Post that he has seen patients with severe liver problems who have been taking herbal supplements, including green tea extracts.
In his research, he discovered that the EGCG in green tea can increase enzymes in the blood that indicate liver stress. He also found that those with a particular genotype of the UGT1A4 gene were more likely to experience these symptoms than those without this gene. This discovery may help researchers to predict who might be at risk for hepatotoxicity from green tea extracts.
It is a hepatoprotector
Green tea is a great source of antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress, decrease inflammation, and promote liver health. It is also known to help prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and improve metabolic syndrome. It can also decrease hepatic lipid accumulation and increase insulin sensitivity.
However, too much green tea can be bad for your liver. High consumption can lead to herbal-induced liver injury (HILI), which is rare but serious. This is because green tea can contain botanical toxins that cause a metabolic reaction that results in liver damage. HILI can lead to severe liver failure and can be difficult to diagnose.
A recent study found that combining green tea extract with vitamin E significantly reduced obesity-triggered nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. The study was published in The Journal of Dietary Supplements. Green tea extract contains a compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which has been shown to reduce lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissues. It can also reduce the expression of inflammatory markers and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in mice with an obese diet.
Green tea can also be a healthy alternative to coffee, which can be damaging to the liver. However, it is important to talk with your doctor before drinking large amounts of green tea. It is still unknown who is at risk of developing hepatotoxicity from green tea, and it may be difficult to predict how much is too much for individuals.
