Plant-based diets can help Indians fight fatty liver, diabetes epidemic

India Today

05-05-2025

India is witnessing a concerning surge in two chronic health conditions: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), earlier known as fatty liver, and type 2 diabetes.MASLD now affects nearly 27.4% of the population, while over 77 million Indians are living with diabetes.Doctors have said the combination of both diseases is dangerous, as it raises the risk of serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, liver cancer, and stroke.advertisement
To tackle this growing health crisis, a panel of global and Indian health experts has released new clinical guidelines focused on how Asian Indian patients can manage both diabetes and fatty liver more effectively.These guidelines, published in the journal Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, place a strong emphasis on dietary and lifestyle changes, especially moving towards a plant-based diet.WHY INDIANS SHOULD RETHINK SATURATED FATSThe guidelines advise cutting back on saturated fats like ghee, butter, and coconut oil, foods that are often wrongly believed to be healthy. Experts explained that consuming too much of these fats can lead to increased liver fat, chronic inflammation, and higher risk of metabolic diseases."Insulin resistance, being overweight, and obesity are the main reasons behind both diabetes and fatty liver,' said Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition expert with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).advertisementHOW PLANT-BASED DIETS CAN HELPResearch shows that a whole-food, plant-based diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and seeds, can significantly improve blood sugar levels and reduce liver fat. According to studies, people following such diets have seen a 30% drop in liver fat within just weeks, and many were even able to lower their diabetes medications.In one randomised study mentioned in the guidelines, 43% of people following a low-fat, plant-based diet were able to reduce their diabetes medications. In contrast, only 26% in the conventional diet group achieved the same result.'Plant-based diets target the root causes of diabetes, excess fat inside cells, insulin resistance, and inflammation," Dr. Ali said. "They not only support blood glucose control but also improve liver health and overall metabolic balance."WHAT THE GUIDELINES RECOMMENDEat more plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, nuts, and seedsFocus on complex carbohydrates like millets, oats, and brown riceAvoid saturated fats like ghee, butter, coconut oilSay no to alcohol, which worsens liver healthGet regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivityMaintain a healthy body weightFor millions of Indians living with diabetes and liver disease, switching to a more plant-based, low-fat diet may offer a simple and powerful way to improve their health, without depending entirely on medication.advertisementThe new guidelines provide both doctors and patients with a clear, evidence-based roadmap to manage these diseases better, starting with what's on their plate.