3 common foods that are secretly harming the liver

Time of India

5 hours ago

The liver is among the most critical organs of the body, responsible for detoxification, digestion, and metabolism. However, despite its toughness, the liver is more and more at risk from the latest trends in diet.
Unexpectedly, it's not necessarily alcohol or fast food causing the harm, as most people imagine, but Recent health news and trending medical content, such as a reel from a top wellness expert, Palak Midha, based out of Dubai, identified three everyday foods that can be quietly destroying your liver without you even knowing.
Here's a closer look at these undercover offenders:
Fructose-laden and sugary food (The deadliest of all)
From sugary drinks and candies to breakfast cereals and flavored yogurts, sweet foods have become dietary staples.
Most of us believe that having cereal for breakfast is a healthy thing to do, but little did we know that it is one of our worst enemies and is hurting our bodies internally.
Hidden beneath the sweetness is a dangerous threat. Much of the processed sugar, particularly high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), overwhelms the liver. Fructose is metabolized nearly entirely in the liver, in contrast to glucose, which cells all over the body utilize.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik
IC Markets
Mendaftar
Undo
In large quantities, the liver stores it as fat, causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Numerous studies have associated high fructose consumption with inflammation of the liver, insulin resistance, and long-term injury. It's particularly deadly since the harm gets to quietly build up year after year before symptoms become apparent.
The solution:
Cut back on sweetened drinks, packaged foods, and sweets.
Use whole fruits instead, which include fiber that delays sugar intake.
Refined vegetable oils
(Seed oils)
Frequently marketed as "heart-healthy," oils such as soybean, corn, sunflower, and safflower oil are ubiquitous in processed foods, restaurant meals, and even home recipes. Individuals make mustard oil the culprit, while, the types of oils we consume daily, except mustard oil, are harmful to our health.
These are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which in excess can throw the body's natural balance of omega-3 to omega-6 out of whack and stimulate inflammation.
When cooked at high temperatures, these oils also release dangerous chemicals called aldehydes that are toxic to liver cells. With time, chronic exposure to these oils leads to oxidative stress and damage to the liver cells.
The solution:
Swap refined seed oils with health-friendly versions like cold-pressed olive oil, avocado oil, or ghee. When dining out, avoid deep-fried foods and highly processed foods.
Fruit Juice—Even the 100% natural ones
Fruit juice is usually seen as a healthier soft drink alternative, but the reality is different.
Although it does not contain additives and preservatives, fruit juice is not fiber-rich, so its sugar becomes more destructive than fruit. For example, one glass of orange juice can have as much sugar as a soda.
The liver metabolizes this abrupt influx of fructose in juice quickly, leading to fat buildup and metabolic strain. Regular consumption of juice can be particularly hazardous to individuals who are prediabetic or overweight.
The solution:
Enjoy whole fruits rather than juicing them. If you need to consume juice, water it down and make portion sizes tiny.
The actual risk of these three foods—fructose-containing foods, seed oils that are highly refined, and fruit juices—is that they're thought to be normal or even healthy. However, with time, they can lead to liver dysfunction in people who don't drink alcohol or have existing liver disorders.
The good news? The liver is incredibly regenerative. By making educated eating changes now, you can reverse early damage and improve long-term health. Focus on whole foods, healthy fats, and low-sugar options, and your liver will reward you quietly but immensely.
This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding dietary changes or concerns about the liver.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change