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With the rising prevalence of fatty liver disease in India, a leading hepatologist has emphasized the importance of dietary changes, particularly limiting the intake of saturated fats such as ghee and coconut oil.
Fatty liver disease, which is closely linked to obesity and diabetes, is becoming an increasing health concern. The disease is primarily driven by the excessive consumption of carbohydrates, which can elevate insulin levels. Chronic high insulin levels contribute to insulin resistance, disrupting metabolism and causing the liver to store excess glucose as fatty acids.
This condition is categorized into two main types: alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now often referred to as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). Both types can lead to liver inflammation and damage, potentially progressing to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
“In the Indian context, if you have metabolic-disorder-associated fatty liver disease (previously NAFLD), remember to limit saturated fat sources in your diet,” advised Dr. Abby Phillips, also known as LiverDoc, on the social media platform X.com. “This means limiting foods containing ghee, clarified butter (commonly used in North India), coconut oil (prevalent in South India), and palm oil found in processed and ultra-processed foods,” he explained. “Saturated fats increase liver triglycerides and hence liver fat and inflammation.”
Dr. Phillips highlighted that while ghee is traditionally considered healthy, it is not a superfood. “It is almost all fat, and more than 60 percent is saturated, which is unhealthy,” he noted. He recommended replacing ghee with healthier vegetable seed oils that have low saturated fat and trans-fat content.
To further aid in managing fatty liver disease, Dr. Phillips suggested using a diverse range of seed oils in daily cooking and opting for healthier cooking methods such as baking, boiling, broiling, grilling, or steaming instead of frying.
In addition, he advised increasing the intake of plant-based proteins and incorporating fresh-cut fruits into daily meals rather than consuming fruit juices. “This is far more important than limiting meat (including lean meat more than red meat), fish, and eggs — all of which can be consumed within their recommended daily or weekly intake,” Dr. Phillips said.
As fatty liver disease continues to rise in India, these dietary recommendations could play a crucial role in managing and preventing the condition. By making informed choices about fat consumption and embracing healthier cooking methods, individuals can better protect their liver health and overall well-being.
