Spotting a tempting pizza can be irresistible, but new research makes moderation easier. Scientists at the German Diabetes Center found that a single high-saturated-fat meal promotes immediate fat accumulation in the liver—a hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It's a compelling reason to think twice about overly rich dishes.
For this study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers had 14 healthy adults aged 20 to 40 consume a palm oil-based drink flavored with vanilla or water, then examined their liver metabolism. In those who had the palm oil drink, they detected swift rises in liver fat, elevated triglycerides, insulin resistance, and glucagon—a hormone that elevates blood glucose levels. Occasional cheeseburgers won't cause instant harm. "We assume that lean, healthy people are able to compensate for excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids; however, prolonged and repeated exposure to such nutrients will eventually lead to chronic insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease," the researchers note.
This offers reassurance while urging greater awareness.
