A British study has found that regularly drinking coffee reduces the risk of chronic liver diseases and the most common type of liver cancer, known as hepatocellular carcinoma, by 21% compared to those who do not consume coffee, according to the British Daily Mail, citing the journal BMC Public Health.
The research team from the University of Southampton studied medical histories and collected data on coffee consumption from approximately half a million Britons. They noted that coffee contains compounds called kahweol and cafestol, which are believed to reduce inflammation that can cause liver damage. These compounds are found at higher levels in ground coffee, and caffeine helps eliminate harmful liver scarring.
Potential Preventive Treatment
Dr. Oliver Kennedy, the lead researcher of the study, explained, "Coffee is widely available and the benefits we see may suggest it could provide a potential preventive treatment." The study revealed that regular coffee drinkers are 49% less likely to die from chronic liver diseases compared to non-drinkers. The research included medical history and information about coffee consumption rates from 494,585 British participants aged between 40 and 69, who were part of British Biobank medical studies.
Daily Consumption Over 10 Years
More than three-quarters of the study participants reported an average coffee consumption of two cups per day. After an average follow-up period of 10 years, only 3,600 individuals were found to have chronic liver diseases, with 301 fatalities attributed to these conditions.
Ground Coffee
In light of the study's findings, it appears that ground coffee, such as espresso, is the most beneficial, although this result was not statistically significant due to insufficient participants drinking this type of coffee. Ground coffee, unlike instant coffee varieties, contains high levels of kahweol and cafestol, which animal studies suggest protect against chronic liver diseases. However, according to the study's results, all types of coffee, including instant and decaffeinated, lead to a decreased likelihood of liver diseases.
Optimal Daily Amount
The study indicates that the greater the average number of cups of coffee consumed daily, the lower the risk of chronic liver diseases and a fatty liver condition known as "steatosis." However, the potential benefits of coffee seem to plateau around three to four cups per day, suggesting that drinking five or more does not offer additional liver protection. This study is the first of its kind to include nearly half a million cases over an extended period and to directly investigate the impact of coffee compounds on the liver. Nevertheless, the research team emphasized the need for further studies before recommending regular coffee consumption to individuals at risk for liver diseases.
