Eating dark green leafy veg helps to reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver

In a new study published in the scientific journal PNAS, researchers from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden showed how inorganic nitrate can help reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver.  Inorganic nitrate occurs naturally in many vegetables especially dark green leafy vegetables.

Using cell culture studies in human liver cells the researchers focused on the findings of previous studies which showed that dietary nitrate from vegetables enhances the efficiency of the mitochondria (the cells power house) which can improve physical endurance. 

The researchers mission is to help prevent cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes through dietary changes.  The researchers believe that cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver are connected by similar mechanisms, where oxidative stress causes compromised nitric oxide signalling which has a detrimental impact on cardiometabolic functions.