Study Links Five Cups Of Coffee Daily To Better Liver Health
Study links higher coffee intake with liver health benefits.
A large new study has found that regular coffee consumption may be linked to improved liver health and a reduced risk of serious liver-related diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Researchers observed that people who drank five or more cups of coffee daily showed the strongest benefits compared with those who did not consume coffee, although experts cautioned that the findings do not mean everyone should immediately increase their intake.
The research, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, analysed data from nearly 355,000 adults enrolled in the UK Biobank and followed their health outcomes for more than a decade. Scientists examined participants’ coffee habits along with liver imaging results, blood markers and medical records to understand the relationship between coffee consumption and liver health. The study found that higher coffee intake was associated with lower risks of liver damage and disease progression.
According to the findings, people who consumed five or more cups of coffee a day had a 32% lower risk of developing cirrhosis, a 47% lower risk of liver cancer and a 42% lower risk of dying from liver-related conditions compared with non-coffee drinkers. Even those drinking one to two cups daily showed some protective associations, but the strongest effects were observed among people with higher consumption levels.
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Researchers suggested that coffee’s potential benefits may come from its natural compounds, including antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and protect liver cells from damage. The study also found that both regular and decaffeinated coffee showed similar associations with improved liver health, indicating that compounds other than caffeine may contribute to the effects.
The research also examined the impact of additives such as sugar and artificial sweeteners. While coffee consumption remained linked with health benefits overall, sweeteners were associated with less favourable liver inflammation markers. Experts suggested that consuming coffee with minimal added sugar or processed ingredients may help preserve its potential benefits.
However, researchers stressed that the study only shows an association and does not prove that coffee directly prevents liver disease. Lifestyle factors, including diet, alcohol use, exercise and overall health, may also influence liver outcomes. Experts said non-coffee drinkers should not begin consuming large amounts of coffee solely for liver protection, especially because excessive caffeine intake can cause problems such as anxiety, sleep disruption and digestive issues.
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