A new large-scale study has found that regular coffee consumption may significantly reduce the risk of serious liver diseases, adding to growing evidence that the popular beverage offers a range of health benefits.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center analysed health data from nearly 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank and found that coffee drinkers were less likely to develop cirrhosis, liver cancer and other life-threatening liver conditions than those who did not drink coffee.
The findings build on previous research that has linked coffee consumption to improved health outcomes, including lower risks of heart disease, dementia and certain cancers.
In the latest study, researchers examined the incidence of cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver-related deaths among adults aged between 40 and 69 who were followed over several decades.
Compared with non-coffee drinkers, regular coffee drinkers had:
- A 32% lower risk of developing cirrhosis.
- A 47% lower risk of developing liver cancer.
- A 42% lower risk of dying from liver disease.
The study also found that coffee drinkers had higher levels of blood proteins associated with healthy liver function, strengthening the evidence that the observed health benefits are linked to coffee consumption rather than chance.
The findings support earlier research using the same UK Biobank data, which showed that coffee drinkers had a 21% lower risk of chronic liver disease, a 20% lower risk of fatty liver disease and nearly a 50% lower risk of dying from chronic liver disease.
Researchers noted that the protective effects were observed even among people who drank decaffeinated coffee, suggesting the benefits may come from naturally occurring compounds such as flavonoids and phenols rather than caffeine itself.
Despite the encouraging results, the researchers cautioned against viewing coffee as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
Senior author Dr Ju Dong Yang, Medical Director of the Liver Cancer Program at Cedars-Sinai, said the findings support moderate coffee consumption for people who already enjoy drinking it and tolerate it well.
However, he stressed that the study does not mean people should begin drinking coffee solely to protect their liver.
Yang said the best ways to reduce the risk of liver disease remain maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, exercising regularly and managing blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The researchers say further studies are needed to better understand exactly how coffee helps protect the liver and which of its natural compounds are responsible for the observed health benefits.