Coffee consumption has been linked to numerous health benefits in recent years, including weight loss and a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis. Now, a new study from the University of Southampton has found that drinking three to four cups of coffee per day can significantly reduce the risk of liver diseases such as cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and liver cancer. The study, which followed 495,585 participants over a ten-year period, found that those who drank little to no coffee were more likely to develop liver diseases, while those who drank three to four cups per day had the lowest risk. The positive effects were seen across all types of coffee, but were strongest in regular coffee compared to decaf or instant coffee.
Chronic liver diseases are a major health problem worldwide, and the study’s lead author, Oliver Kennedy, notes that there are currently few effective prevention and treatment strategies available. The study’s findings are therefore significant, particularly for countries with low and middle incomes where liver diseases are most prevalent. The study also found that regular coffee consumption can reduce the risk of dying from a liver disease by 50 percent. While the protective effect of coffee is thought to be due to its various compounds, including chlorogenic acid and terpenes, the exact mechanisms are still being studied.
The study is the first to directly examine the effects of different types of coffee on chronic liver diseases in a large cohort. Kennedy and his team hope that further research will shed light on the specific compounds responsible for coffee’s health benefits, and lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for liver diseases. In the meantime, coffee lovers can enjoy their daily cup knowing that it may be doing more than just providing a caffeine boost.
