If you have liver disease, you know that diet plays a crucial role in protecting your liver health. Inflammatory oils, like those found in many Western diets, can be harmful to your health and liver.
These oils can make liver conditions worse, which is why it’s important to find healthier alternatives for your cooking oils. Keep reading to learn more about inflammatory oils and which oils are better for you vs. which ones to avoid.
Understanding Inflammatory Oils
Inflammatory oils are oils that promote inflammation in the body, a key factor in liver disease progression. Your liver is particularly vulnerable to inflammation, which is why inflammatory oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, trans fats, and certain saturated fats should be avoided by those with liver disease.
The Worst Inflammatory Oils for Your Liver
- Vegetable Oils (Soybean, Corn, Sunflower)
- Common in processed foods and restaurant cooking.
- High in omega-6 fatty acids, promoting inflammation when consumed excessively.
- Hydrogenated Oils and Trans Fats
- Found in processed and fried foods.
- Contain trans fats, which are highly inflammatory and harmful to liver health.
- Palm Oil
- Widely used in packaged goods.
- Contains saturated fats that can lead to liver inflammation when overconsumed.
Best Oils for Liver Health
- Olive Oil
- Extra virgin olive oil is a Mediterranean diet staple known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, it improves liver enzyme levels and reduces fat accumulation.
- Flaxseed Oil
- High in omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory.
- Helps balance the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, reducing liver inflammation.
- Avocado Oil
- Like olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
- Suitable for high-temperature cooking due to its high smoke point and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Coconut Oil
- Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Should be consumed in moderation due to its saturated fat content.
Making Informed Choices
- Read Labels Carefully: Avoid processed foods with inflammatory oils. Opt for products with healthier oils.
- Balance Your Fats: Ensure a balanced intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
- Cook Wisely: Use high smoke point oils like avocado oil for high-temperature cooking.
- Incorporate Variety: Use a variety of healthy oils to get a range of beneficial fats and nutrients.
Supplements for Liver Health
Knowing which oils to avoid is a good place to start acting toward preserving your liver health. Dietary supplements, though not a remedy for liver disease, may also be considered as a way to support a healthy liver.
The Everyday Liver Vitamin is a multi-nutrient supplement with ingredients like bergamot, cynara, dandelion root, and turmeric, which may aid in liver detoxification and reduce liver inflammation.* Taking a supplement like The Everyday Liver Vitamin may help support liver health when consumed as part of a healthy liver health regimen.*
Inflammatory Oils: The Bottom Line
Inflammatory oils can significantly impact your liver health, particularly if you have liver disease. Stick to olive, flaxseed, and avocado oils, which are beneficial to your liver due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Conversely, vegetable oils high in omega-6, hydrogenated oils, and palm oil should be minimized or avoided altogether. Switching to healthier oils is a small, yet important action you can take towards better liver health and longevity.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.