A fruit that fights obesity and fatty liver
A study conducted by Italian scientists has shown that bergamot, also known as aromatic lemon, helps in combating liver fat and metabolic disorders.
The journal Nutrients noted that a study conducted by scientists from the University of Magna Grazia in Italy showed that polyphenols extracted from bergamot fruit can help the liver overcome excess fat. Experiments conducted on mice with metabolic disorders-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) showed that a polyphenol supplement extracted from bergamot significantly reduced fatty liver infiltration and lowered triglyceride and blood glucose levels in the mice.
Researchers fed mice a high-calorie diet for 15 weeks, mimicking a human diet rich in sugars and fats, while also giving one group of animals a polyphenol extracted from bergamot in their drinking water. The results showed that the mice that did not receive the supplement developed significant fatty liver disease, with their liver weight and fat content more than doubling, and their triglyceride, glucose, and cholesterol levels rising. In contrast, the group that received the polyphenols experienced a decrease in liver weight, a significant reduction in total fat volume and fat droplet area within their cells, and a decrease in their triglyceride and blood glucose levels.
A promising approach for patients with advanced liver cancer
Tissue analysis revealed that the polyphenols extracted from bergamot not only inhibit fat production in the liver, but also promote autophagy in the body - a "cellular cleansing" process that helps get rid of excess fat and damaged cellular structures.
The study authors emphasize that although the results appear promising for preventing fatty liver disease associated with metabolic disorders using dietary supplements, this data is limited to one strain of mice, and clinical trials are needed before practical recommendations can be made for humans.
