Fruits and nuts rich in ellagic acid can protect the liver from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and possibly reverse the damage it causes.
However, according to a report published in Medical Xpress, taking common soluble fiber supplements on their own can worsen the condition.
Dr. Luis Palmer notes that the study, conducted on mice, examined the effect of ellagic acid on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. They also tested the effect of inulin—a soluble fiber widely used as a preservative for improving gut health.
He says: "We discovered that ellagic acid, found in pomegranates, fruits, grapes and walnuts, helps protect the liver from disease. It is a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties."
However, contrary to expectations, taking inulin without ellagic acid led to unwanted weight gain and elevated blood sugar levels, as well as increased liver damage.
According to him, this effect is due to an imbalance of gut bacteria, which is characteristic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. When combined with ellagic acid, the negative effects of inulin are mitigated.
He says: "The results of this study confirm the importance of diet, not just what we eat, but how different nutrients interact with each other in the body."
