A major new study suggests the health benefits of coffee extend to significant liver protection. Research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology analyzed data from nearly 355,000 participants in the UK Biobank.
Participants were tracked for an average of 13 years. Those who drank one to two cups of coffee daily showed a 20% lower risk of developing cirrhosis and a 31% lower risk of liver-related mortality compared to non-drinkers.
The protective effects increased with consumption. Heavy coffee drinkers, consuming five or more cups per day, experienced a 32% reduction in cirrhosis risk, a 42% lower risk of liver-related death, and a 47% lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of primary liver cancer.
Imaging and blood analyses provided biological evidence. Heavy coffee drinkers had lower levels of liver fat and liver iron, and lower odds of fibroinflammation-the scarring and inflammation that can precede permanent liver damage.
The benefits were observed for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting compounds beyond caffeine are responsible. However, adding sugar or artificial sweeteners slightly weakened the positive effects on liver inflammation markers.
The authors note that coffee should complement, not replace, standard preventative health practices. As an observational study, it establishes a strong correlation but cannot prove direct cause and effect.