Harvard University expert reveals top 10 drinks that boost liver health and what you should avoid

Time of India

19 hours ago

Source: Instagram
When it comes to keeping your liver healthy, your drink choices may matter just as much as your meals. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist, recently shared a viral video on Instagram breaking down how ten everyday beverages affect liver health.
From hydrating water to sugar-loaded fruit juices, he rated each drink on a scale of 1 to 10 based on its potential to help or harm the liver. Whether you're aiming to boost liver function or avoid common dietary pitfalls, Dr. Sethi's insights offer a science-backed guide to making smarter beverage choices.
Harvard expert
Dr Sethi reveals: Top drinks to boost liver health
Dr. Saurabh Sethi recently turned to Instagram to share his professional opinion on a common question: Which beverages promote liver health, and which quietly damage it? In a video he uploaded on June 28, Dr.
Sethi rated 10 popular drinks on the basis of how good—or bad—they are for the liver, rating them from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most healthy choice.
His observations provide a ready guide for anyone attempting to enhance liver function through daily drink options.
Top healthy drinks ranked for liver health: What to drink and what to avoid
Here's how Dr. Sethi ranked these beverages:
Drink
Score (Out of 10)
Liver Health Impact
Store-bought fruit juice
1/10
High in added sugars and preservatives; may increase risk of fatty liver and metabolic syndrome.
Sweetened tea
2/10
Filled with sugar; causes inflammation and liver stress.
Fresh fruit juice
4/10
Natural but high in fructose; can overload the liver if consumed in excess.
Green smoothies
5/10
Nutrient-rich, especially with leafy greens, but added fruits or sugars reduce liver benefits.
Lemon water
6/10
Mildly detoxifying and hydrating; more beneficial for hydration than direct liver healing.
Beetroot juice
7/10
High in nitrates and antioxidants; helps reduce liver inflammation and supports detoxification.
Unsweetened vegetable juice
8/10
Low in sugar, rich in vitamins and minerals that support liver health.
Black coffee
9/10
Proven to reduce risk of liver disease and fibrosis when consumed without sugar or cream.
Water
10/10
Essential for hydration, toxin removal, and overall liver function.
Why liver health starts with what you drink
Dr. Sethi is keen to point out the liver's role in cleansing the body and metabolizing nutrients. Due to this, what we consume on a daily basis has the potential to assist or overload this remarkable organ.
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"Some beverages often thought to be healthy might end up harming more than helping," he added in his video. Rankings were drawn from scientific reports, clinical observation, and the nutritional effect of each beverage.
'One popular 'healthy' drink actually does more harm than good,' Dr. Sethi warned, urging followers to watch until the end to discover the best and worst beverages for liver health.
Why black coffee and water top the list for liver health, according to Dr Sethi
Dr. Sethi pointed to black coffee and water as the winners when it comes to maintaining liver health. Coffee, specifically, has been linked to decreased levels of liver enzymes and lessened inflammation.
In the meantime, water is the ultimate detoxifier, assisting the liver in filtering out waste and ensuring healthy cell function.
At the opposite end of the list are those store-bought fruit drinks and sugary teas because they contain a lot of sugar and no fiber, the components that help create fatty liver disease and insulin resistance.
Watch out for "healthy" drinks that may not be so healthy
The most surprising insight from Dr. Sethi's list? Even freshly squeezed juice, often seen as a health staple, scored just 4 out of 10 due to its high fructose content and lack of fiber.
This reveals the importance of understanding how ingredients interact with liver function, especially when consumed regularly.
To have the best liver health, it's not only a matter of what we eat—but also what we drink. Dr. Sethi's ranking of drinks is a handy guide for making healthier, liver-friendly choices in your everyday life. If unsure, pick water, black coffee, or vegetable-based beverages, and avoid sweetened or processed varieties.
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