Winter season often brings with it dietary excesses, which can be tough on our liver. On TikTok, an American gastroenterologist has shared his plan of attack for taking care of this vital organ right from breakfast.
Raclette, foie gras, chocolates, champagne... since early December, the winter gastronomic marathon has begun.
During this period, dietary principles often take a back seat, and it's not uncommon for our bodies to pay the price for these excesses in early January. Fats, sugar, and alcohol can strain our liver, an organ whose mission includes filtering and purifying toxins we may be exposed to through eating.
Fortunately, there are beverages you can consume from breakfast that can help reboot your system after dietary excesses.
While coffee consumption is known to stimulate the production of specific enzymes for liver detoxification, American gastroenterologist Joseph Salhab, who is very popular on social media (with over 1.3 million followers), revealed last August three ideal alternatives to the "little black" on his TikTok account.
Watch Dr. Joseph Salhab explain in the video below, or scroll a bit further to read about the three beverages in question.
Green Tea
Green tea, predominantly produced in China, has long forged a reputation as a health asset. As Dr. Joseph Salhab reminds us, this hot beverage contains "a high amount of antioxidants and flavonoids called catechins," which help protect the liver, particularly against fatty liver disease. More specifically, this pathology, better known as fatty liver disease or NASH, is characterized by severe inflammation of the liver due to an accumulation of fat in the body.
Matcha Tea
Another hot beverage recommended by the health professional is Japanese matcha, whose tea leaves are traditionally mixed with a whisk and diluted in boiling water. It is also known for its antioxidant properties and thus protective of our liver.
"It's very similar to green tea, but it's very concentrated as it's made from a different type of green tea that can contain more antioxidants than standard green tea preparation," the gastroenterologist notes, advising to consume it more in its raw state as a hot drink than as dietary supplements. Also, matcha tea, like green tea, contains less caffeine than coffee, making it suitable for those who are sensitive to the morning "little black."
A Smoothie
Smoothies made from blended fruits and vegetables can also impact liver health. In the produce aisle, Dr. Joseph Salhab recommends turning to green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, broccoli, as well as certain red fruits like berries, which are very rich in antioxidants. Another advantage for those sensitive to caffeine, these vitamin-packed drinks contain "no trace of this substance and remain very tasty," he concludes. Time to get blending!
