Managing Fatty Liver Through Nutrition: What Is Jackfruit Flour?
I contracted Hepatitis C so long ago that it didn’t have a name yet. At the time it was referred to as Hepatitis Non A/Non B.
It was 1983, and the glories of my misspent youth caught up to me.
40 years later my most recent blood work (and fibroscan) showed I have a somewhat advanced fatty liver disease. When looking over the lifestyle changes required the only thing that applies to me is weight loss. I exercise, eat fairly well, don’t drink, and don’t smoke.
Though, if I am being honest with myself, I probably eat way more ice cream than I should. But I live in Cleveland Ohio, and Mitchell’s Ice Cream is honestly the best I have ever had.
Fatty liver disease is, unsurprisingly, characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. While medical interventions may be necessary in severe cases, adopting a liver-friendly diet can play a crucial role in managing and even reversing fatty liver.
Have you ever heard of jackfruit flour? I hadn’t, but one of my clients turned me onto it. To be clear, I know that I teach my clients a lot about exercise, movement, and pain relief, but it is amazing how much I learn from them as well.
She sent me a video about the possible benefits of jackfruit flour and I was happy to give it a shot. I had to order it from India and it took about a month to get here but now I am all in.
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is classified into two primary types:
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Fat accumulation in the liver unrelated to alcohol consumption, often associated with metabolic issues like insulin resistance and obesity.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Caused by excessive alcohol intake, leading to liver damage and fat build-up.
If left unmanaged, fatty liver disease can progress to more serious conditions, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
The Importance of Nutrition in Fatty Liver Management
Dietary changes can significantly impact the health of your liver. Key components of a liver-friendly diet include:
- Reducing Refined Carbohydrates and Sugars: High sugar intake, particularly fructose, contributes to fat accumulation in the liver. Avoiding sugary beverages and processed snacks is essential.
- Increasing Fiber Intake: Fiber aids digestion, regulates blood sugar, and helps manage weight—all critical factors for improving liver health.
- Incorporating Healthy Fats: Replace saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
- Consuming Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver.
Sugar is my main nemesis from the list above. But a boy can change, can’t he?
How Jackfruit Flour Supports Liver Health
Jackfruit flour, derived from unripe jackfruit, is made by drying and grinding the fruit of the jackfruit tree into a fine powder. Even though I had never heard of it, it is gaining recognition for its potential benefits in managing metabolic conditions, including fatty liver disease. Here are some ways jackfruit flour can support liver health:
- Low Glycemic Index (GI): Jackfruit flour has a low GI, meaning it helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance, a common factor in NAFLD.
- Rich in Dietary Fiber: The high fiber content aids digestion, supports gut health, and can assist in weight management—all crucial for reducing liver fat.
- Natural and Gluten-Free: It is a natural, gluten-free alternative to refined flours, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or those seeking healthier options.
- Helps in Weight Management: Regular consumption of jackfruit flour, when included as part of a balanced diet, may contribute to better satiety and reduced calorie intake, aiding in weight management—a key factor in reversing fatty liver disease.
Adding jackfruit flour to your daily routine is simple and versatile.
Smoothies are my jam, especially as spring approaches. I have been adding a tablespoon of jackfruit flour along with a bunch of the other stuff I throw in like chia seeds, parsley, MCT oil, and more.
You can also use it as a substitute for any flour.
Managing fatty liver disease through nutrition seems my only option and I am hoping that incorporating jackfruit flour will be beneficial.
If all goes well, small changes to my diet and the addition of jackfruit flour will present me with a different result when I get my next bloodwork done. I’ll keep you posted.