There has lengthy been debate over which fat are good for well being — significantly in the case of generally used substances in Indian kitchens like ghee, coconut oil, and butter. These conventional fat have loyal supporters, particularly amongst influencers and nutritionists, who tout their purity and supposed well being advantages.
Nevertheless, hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, identified on social media as TheLiverDoc, gives a really totally different perspective on liver well being. He wrote on X, “Swap from saturated fat like coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), lard and butter to subtle (for cooking), unrefined and chilly pressed (for direct use) seed oils wealthy in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to expertise improved liver checks and cut back liver fats.”
His steerage additionally contradicts the rising notion that conventional = more healthy. His message reframes the dialogue: custom doesn’t at all times equal optimum, particularly when considered via the lens of medical liver well being.
However, is there proof exhibiting that saturated fat like ghee and coconut oil worsen liver perform or contribute to liver fats accumulation?
Dr Manoj Gupta, head, Liver Transplant and Surgical Gastroenterology at PSRI Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “Sure, rising medical analysis helps this declare. Saturated fat, together with these present in ghee, butter, coconut oil, and lard, are identified to contribute to liver fats buildup, particularly in individuals vulnerable to or already recognized with non-alcoholic fatty liver illness (NAFLD). Research revealed in journals like Hepatology and The Journal of Scientific Endocrinology & Metabolism have discovered that prime consumption of saturated fat can enhance hepatic triglyceride ranges, worsen insulin resistance, and set off inflammatory pathways within the liver.”
Swap from saturated fat like coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), lard and butter to subtle (for cooking), unrefined and chilly pressed (for direct use) seed oils wealthy in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to expertise improved liver checks and cut back liver fats.
— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) Might 13, 2025
Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public well being mental, provides, “Whereas conventional fat like ghee and coconut oil are culturally vital and consumed moderately in lots of Indian households, extreme and common consumption, particularly within the context of a sedentary way of life and calorie-dense weight loss plan, can worsen metabolic well being, together with liver perform.”
Nevertheless, he states, particular person responses can differ, and the general dietary sample, way of life, and current metabolic danger components play a extra vital position than any single meals merchandise.
How do totally different processing strategies affect the healthfulness of seed oils?
Based on Dr Gupta, how oils are processed considerably impacts their nutrient profile and conduct when heated. “Refined seed oils like sunflower, rice bran, or canola oil are handled to take away impurities and face up to excessive cooking temperatures with out breaking down. This makes them safer for deep frying and sautéing as a result of they’re extra heat-stable and fewer more likely to kind dangerous compounds like trans fat or free radicals.”
Chilly-pressed or unrefined oils, then again, are extracted utilizing mechanical stress with out warmth or chemical compounds. Dr Gupta says, “They keep antioxidants, phytosterols, and vitamin E, that are useful for coronary heart and liver well being — however they’re heat-sensitive and finest consumed uncooked, in salad dressings or drizzles. Dr Philips’ suggestion to match oil kind with use — refined for cooking and cold-pressed for uncooked consumption — is aligned with world dietary tips.”
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Can changing saturated fat with seed oils excessive in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat considerably enhance liver take a look at outcomes?
Dr Hiremath notes, “Sure, changing saturated fat with seed oils wealthy in unsaturated fat, reminiscent of sunflower, safflower, canola, or flaxseed oil, has proven promising ends in bettering lipid profiles and decreasing liver fats in people with fatty liver illness.”
In sufferers with fatty liver illness, Dr Gupta explains, this dietary shift has led to measurable enhancements in liver enzyme ranges (ALT, AST), decreased hepatic fats on imaging, and higher insulin sensitivity. When mixed with common train and decreased sugar consumption, the advantages are much more pronounced — making this some of the accessible, low-cost interventions for bettering liver well being.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.