AIIMS-trained liver specialist shares 3 drinks for patients with fatty liver disease: 'Beetroot juice is packed with…' ~ PARN HARIT

An increased build-up of fat in the liver is known as fatty liver disease. There are two types: one is caused by heavy drinking (alcoholic fatty liver disease), and the other is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is seen in people who drink little or no alcohol.

Quitting alcohol, eating whole foods, avoiding ultra-processed foods, and limiting sugar consumption are some ways you can minimise the risk of fatty liver disease. However, did you know that consuming certain drinks can also be beneficial?

3 drinks to have if you are diagnosed with fatty liver disease

In an Instagram post shared on September 29, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist and liver specialist trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford Universities, recommended three specific drinks for patients dealing with fatty liver disease, emphasising their potential benefits.

Sharing the 3 drinks, Dr Sethi wrote, “3 Drinks I Often Recommend to My Patients with Fatty Liver Disease. Backed by science and clinical experience, these drinks can help reduce liver fat, improve digestion, and support overall liver health.”

The 3 beverages are green tea, coffee, and beetroot juice. Let's find out how they benefit those diagnosed with fatty liver disease:

1. Green tea

◦ Dr Sethi recommends green tea as it is rich in catechins, such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate).

◦ EGCG is shown to improve liver enzymes and reduce fat buildup.

2. Coffee

◦ Coffee can lower your risk of fibrosis and fatty liver, according to the liver specialist.

◦ He recommends choosing organic coffee and skipping sugar.

◦ According to him, the acceptable sweeteners are honey, monk fruit, or stevia. These alternatives are acceptable only if they are free from the erythritol additive, he added.

3. Beet juice

◦ Dr Sethi stresses that beetroot juice is the most overlooked drink among the three recommendations.

◦ It is packed with betalains, which are powerful antioxidants, Dr Sethi pointed out. These antioxidants can protect liver cells and reduce fat accumulation.

◦ He suggested consuming the juice in moderation so that the sugar content does not outweigh the health benefits.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, has highlighted three specific drinks that can help manage and even support the reversal of fatty liver disease.

According to Dr. Sethi, beetroot juice is particularly effective because it is packed with betalains.

The 3 Recommended Drinks

Drink	Key Active Component	Primary Benefit
Beetroot Juice	Betalains & Betaine	Potent antioxidants that protect liver cells from oxidative stress and help reduce fat accumulation.
Coffee	Polyphenols & Caffeine	Linked to a lower risk of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis; helps improve liver enzyme levels (ALT/AST).
Green Tea	Catechins (specifically EGCG)	Powerful antioxidants shown to improve liver function and reduce inflammation.

Why Beetroot Juice Works

Dr. Sethi explains that the betalains in beetroot act as an antioxidant shield. They help the liver's natural detoxification pathways and fight oxidative stress—a major driver of liver damage in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Additionally, the compound betaine helps the liver process and eliminate fats more efficiently.

Important Expert Tips for Consumption:

Avoid Sugar: For all three drinks, adding sugar or artificial sweeteners (like those containing erythritol) can counteract the benefits. Dr. Sethi suggests using a touch of stevia or monk fruit if needed.
Moderation is Key: Because beetroot juice is naturally high in sugar, he recommends a small glass a few times per week rather than excessive daily consumption.
Black Coffee: The benefits of coffee are most pronounced when consumed black or with minimal healthy additives.
Timing: Nutritionists often suggest having green tea or coffee between morning and early afternoon to avoid interfering with sleep.

[!IMPORTANT]
While these drinks are supportive, they work best when combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management. Always consult your doctor before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or kidney stones.

Would you like me to find a liver-friendly recipe for a beetroot-based smoothie?

PARN HARIT