Doctor Reveals Best and Worst Drinks for Liver Health Amid Rising Fatty Liver Cases

New Delhi | December 16, 2025 The prevalence of fatty liver disease is on the rise in India, affecting people of all ages, including children and teenagers. Experts point to lifestyle changes such as physical inactivity, reliance on highly processed foods, and excessive sugar consumption as major contributors to this growing health concern. Diet plays a crucial role in liver health, and certain beverages can either protect the liver or accelerate damage. High-sugar drinks are one of the leading causes of fatty liver disease. Beverages such as soda, boba tea, energy drinks, and packaged fruit juices are loaded with sugar, particularly fructose, which the liver metabolizes into fat. Over time, excessive sugar intake promotes fat accumulation in the liver, increases insulin resistance, and triggers inflammation, all of which contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, recently shared insights on drinks that are either beneficial or harmful to the liver. According to him, making the right beverage choices can significantly support liver function and reduce the risk of disease. Among the best drinks for liver health, warm lemon water is recommended for its ability to boost hydration, provide vitamin C, and support detoxification processes in the liver. Black coffee is another positive choice, as studies indicate it may help reduce fat accumulation and lower the risk of fatty liver. Green matcha tea contains antioxidants and compounds that promote liver health, while turmeric tea offers anti-inflammatory properties that protect liver cells. Black tea, when consumed without milk, also contains beneficial compounds that may improve liver function. On the other hand, several popular drinks can harm liver health. Boba tea, now widely consumed among young people, is often high in added sugars and calories, making it a poor choice for liver protection. Sugary sodas provide empty calories that promote fat storage in the liver. Energy drinks, which are high in sugar and caffeine, can further strain liver function. Packaged fruit juices, even those marketed as healthy, often contain added sugar and lack the fiber of whole fruits, leading to similar liver concerns. Excessive alcohol consumption remains one of the most damaging factors, as it inflames and injures liver cells, increasing the risk of alcoholic fatty liver disease. Experts recommend reducing sugar intake and choosing beverages that support liver function. Incorporating drinks like lemon water, black coffee, green matcha tea, turmeric tea, and black tea into daily routines can help protect the liver, while avoiding sugary and processed beverages reduces the risk of fat buildup and long-term damage. Making mindful beverage choices is an important step toward maintaining overall liver health and preventing fatty liver disease in the long term. Doctor Reveals Best and Worst Drinks for Liver Health Amid Rising Fatty Liver Cases Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common in India, affecting children, teenagers, and adults alike. Experts say lifestyle factors like lack of physical activity, highly processed foods, and excessive sugar intake are driving this rise. What we drink plays a big role in liver health, and some beverages can either protect the liver or make things worse. Sugary drinks are a major culprit. Beverages like soda, boba tea, energy drinks, and packaged fruit juices are loaded with sugar, especially fructose. When the liver processes this excess sugar, it turns into fat, leading to fatty liver. High sugar intake also increases inflammation and insulin resistance, making liver damage more likely. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, shared a simple guide to the best and worst drinks for liver health. Among the healthy choices, warm lemon water helps with hydration, detoxification, and provides vitamin C. Black coffee is rich in antioxidants and may reduce fat accumulation in the liver. Green matcha tea contains compounds that promote liver health, while turmeric tea has anti-inflammatory properties. Black tea, when taken without milk, also supports liver function. On the other hand, drinks to avoid include boba tea, sugary sodas, energy drinks, and packaged fruit juices because of their high sugar and calorie content. Excess alcohol remains particularly harmful, damaging liver cells and causing inflammation that can lead to fatty liver disease. Experts recommend cutting down on sugar-laden drinks and incorporating liver-friendly options into your daily routine. Choosing beverages like lemon water, black coffee, green matcha, turmeric tea, and black tea can protect your liver, while avoiding sugary and processed drinks can reduce fat buildup. Small changes in daily beverage choices can go a long way toward keeping your liver healthy.