Honey is a biological product as complex as it is nutritious, as its properties vary depending on its area of origin, climate, or flora, as explained by the
(FEN).
Although it has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments due to its medicinal properties, recent research has begun to shed light on its positive impact on liver health.
Benefits of honey against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
The liver is the organ responsible for numerous essential functions, such as detoxifying the body, producing bile for digestion, and storing vitamins and minerals.
Liver health is therefore fundamental for overall well-being, and honey can play an important role in its maintenance and protection.
One of the most significant benefits of honey for the liver is its ability to reduce a key marker of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
This disease, characterized by the accumulation of fat in liver cells, is one of the most common liver conditions in the world, especially in developed countries.
Consuming honey may help reduce fat levels in the liver, thus decreasing the risk of developing NAFLD or slowing its progression in those who already have it.
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Antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of honey
Honey is also rich in antioxidants, compounds that play a crucial role in protecting the liver from free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that are generated as byproducts of metabolism and can cause cellular damage, including damage to liver tissue.
This organ is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, as it is primarily responsible for breaking down toxins.
The antioxidants present in honey, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, neutralize these harmful molecules, reducing oxidative damage and helping to prevent chronic liver diseases.
Methylglyoxal (MGO) and its impact on liver health
An especially interesting component of honey is methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that has been the subject of several studies due to its hepatoprotective effects.
The MGO is more abundant in Manuka honey, a variety native to New Zealand that has gained a reputation for being beneficial to health.
This compound can help protect the liver in various ways, including reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as improving overall liver function.
The MGO acts directly on liver cells, promoting their regeneration and preventing long-term damage.
The role of honey in gut health and its connection to the liver
In addition to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, honey is also known for being a natural sweetener that contains prebiotics, indigestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
A healthy intestinal microflora is essential not only for digestion but also for liver health, due to the interconnectedness between the liver and the intestine through the gut-liver axis.
By fostering a
healthy intestinal microflora, honey can indirectly contribute to liver protection, helping to prevent bacterial translocation and endotoxemia, factors that can trigger liver inflammation and contribute to the development of liver diseases such as NAFLD.
In conclusion, honey is not only a delicious natural sweetener but can also be a powerful ally in promoting liver health and overall well-being.