According to a new study, supporting a weight loss diet program with a Cranberry supplement may improve insulin, insulin resistance and key liver enzyme levels in people with NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Livers Disease).
41 people with NAFLD participated in this randomized controlled trial which lasted 12 weeks. All participants were placed on the same weight loss diet and 20 of the participants were given a Cranberry Supplement and 21 of the participants were given a placebo.
Both groups experienced improvements in the amount of fat in the liver, steatosis, and in their anthropometic measurements (Visceral adiposity index, hip circumference, waist circumference, body fat, BMI and weight). No differences between the 2 groups for these measures were recorded.
Both groups also showed decreases in ALT (alanine aminotransferase) which is a key liver enzyme, however, the Cranberry group showed significantly greater reductions in ALT in comparison to the placebo group.
Both groups showed improvements in HOMA-IR which is a measure of insulin resistance but the group receiving the Cranberry supplement experienced significantly larger improvements when compared to the group receiving the placebo.
Anthropometic measurements were improved in both groups with no significant differences seen between the two groups.
NAFLD is the most predominant liver abnormality found in the Western world and parallels the other health epidemics we are experiencing today like metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes. NAFLD is often disabling and could lead to cirrhosis of the liver. Fatty Liver Disease currently costs the US health care system over $32 Billion yearly.
Cranberries provide a far-reaching source of phyto nutrients, namely polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. These phytonutrients have been shown in many studies to be able to fight off infections, in particular urinary tract infections. The Cranberry extract, according to studies helps to prevent bacteria (E.Coli) from adhering to uroepithelial cells within the urinary tract. Other polyphenols and tannins found in the Cranberry extract have been shown to have antioxidant potential also.
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