Regular Shawarma Consumption May Harm Liver: Health Experts Warn.
Health experts have raised concerns about the regular consumption of shawarma, a popular fast food, highlighting its potential to cause liver damage. Physicians and nutritionists are urging Nigerians to reconsider their dietary habits, as the frequent intake of shawarma and similar processed foods could pose serious risks to liver health.
According to medical professionals, shawarma, alongside items like instant noodles, sugary sodas, and processed snacks, often contains high levels of unhealthy ingredients such as saturated fats, trans fats, refined sugars, and excessive salt. These components, experts warn, can place significant strain on the liver, potentially leading to conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and, in severe cases, liver cancer.
Dr. Ganiyat Oyeleke, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, explained to PUNCH Healthwise that the liver plays a critical role in detoxifying the body, metabolising nutrients, and regulating bodily functions. “Regular consumption of these foods, laden with unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives, can compromise liver function,” she cautioned. “The liver bears the brunt of processing these excesses, which can lead to inflammation and impaired function over time.”
Nutritionist Odunayo Babatunde echoed these concerns, noting that the rise in NAFLD and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is closely linked to poor dietary choices. “Foods like shawarma, sodas, pastries, and heavily fried items can cause fat to accumulate in the liver, triggering inflammation and increasing insulin resistance, which worsens liver damage,” she said. Babatunde added that these conditions can progress silently, with no symptoms until irreversible damage, such as cirrhosis, sets in.
The experts clarified a common misconception: liver disease is not solely caused by hepatitis viruses or alcohol abuse. Dr. Oyeleke noted that metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), driven by unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles, has become a leading cause of liver issues in Nigeria and globally, overtaking viral infections in many regions. “The appeal and accessibility of fast foods like shawarma make them dangerous choices for daily consumption, especially for urban dwellers and busy professionals,” she warned.
To protect liver health, the specialists recommend moderation and deliberate dietary choices. “Food is medicine,” Dr. Oyeleke stated. “What we eat can either support or sabotage our liver.” She advised Nigerians to undergo liver function tests and abdominal scans at least annually, even without symptoms, to detect potential issues early. Babatunde suggested opting for leaner cuts of meat, such as chicken or turkey, and increasing vegetable intake to boost fibre, vitamins, and minerals in shawarma if consumed.
While shawarma can be enjoyed occasionally, experts urge caution against making it a staple. “A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to prevent and manage liver disease,” Babatunde concluded. As Nigerians navigate busy lifestyles, this warning serves as a timely reminder to prioritise liver health through mindful eating.