Impact of Rapeseed Oil Substitution on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver condition globally and is projected to become the primary cause of end-stage fatty liver in the coming decades. Adding rapeseed oil to a balanced diet may help improve NAFLD. 

The current study aimed to assess the effects of replacing ghee with rapeseed oil on key outcomes such as fatty liver and liver enzyme levels, as well as secondary outcomes like blood sugar levels, lipid profiles, and body measurements in NAFLD patients. Over a 12-week period, 110 participants (70 men and 40 women, with a mean BMI of 28.2 kg/m² and an average age of 42 years) were randomly assigned to either a group that replaced ghee with rapeseed oil or a control group that continued consuming ghee while following a healthy diet. 

The intervention group showed a significant reduction in liver fat compared to the control group. Notable improvements were also observed in liver enzyme levels, triglycerides, cholesterol, blood glucose, insulin levels, and various body measurements in the intervention group. 

To summarize, substituting rapeseed oil for ghee led to beneficial effects on liver health and metabolic markers in individuals with NAFLD.

Source: Maleki Sedgi F, Mohammad Hosseiniazar M, Alizadeh M. The effects of replacing ghee with rapeseed oil on liver steatosis and enzymes, lipid profile, insulin resistance and anthropometric measurements in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised controlled clinical trial. Br J Nutr. 2024 Jun 28;131(12):1985-1996. doi: 10.1017/S0007114524000564. Epub 2024 Mar 19. PMID: 38501177.