Comprehensive Review Proves Regular Coffee Consumption Significantly Lowers Risk of Liver Ailments, from Hepatitis C to Cirrhosis.
LONDON – An extensive data analysis spanning decades of research has firmly re-established coffee’s role as a significant protective agent for human liver health. A major review, published in the esteemed scientific journal Biochemical Pharmacology, finds that regular coffee drinkers face a lower risk of developing various chronic liver diseases, even with measured daily intake.
The study not only strengthens existing associations but also successfully identifies the potential molecular pathways that explain these beneficial connections. Coffee, a complex brew of bioactive compounds beyond just caffeine, is known to support liver health in at least five significant ways: acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic agent, while also supporting metabolism and balancing the gut microbiome.
Compounds like chlorogenic acid and polyphenols within the brew play a central role. According to Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, coffee’s antioxidant properties are crucial. “Oxidative stress can negatively impact liver cells, promoting inflammation and insulin resistance. The compounds in coffee combat this oxidative stress,” she explains.
Dose-Dependent Effects and Specific Ailments
The positive correlation between coffee and liver health is shown to be dose-dependent. The data analyzed in the review confirmed a reduction in the incidence of several prominent liver diseases:
- Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD): Individuals who regularly consume coffee were reported to be 29% less likely to develop Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), globally the most common chronic liver disease.
- Hepatitis C: Daily coffee drinkers with chronic Hepatitis C showed significantly lower rates of progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Those consuming around two cups of coffee per day were also less likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
- Alcoholic Liver Disease: Regular coffee intake was also associated with lower levels of liver enzymes (AST, GGT, and ALT), which are markers of liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Caveats and Consumption Guidelines
While these findings offer a positive outlook, experts emphasize that tolerance for coffee consumption is highly individualized. Generally, the safe limit for caffeine is around 400 milligrams (mg) per day—equivalent to approximately 3 to 4 cups.
However, intake must be adjusted for individuals sensitive to caffeine, those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, or anxiety disorders, who may experience side effects such as heart palpitations, insomnia, or gastrointestinal distress.
It is also important to note that the study indicates consuming more than five cups of coffee daily could potentially increase serum levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), which may contribute to dyslipidemia.
Ultimately, the review’s authors conclude that coffee may serve as a simple and viable dietary intervention for those at risk of or already suffering from liver disease, especially when considered alongside other modifiable lifestyle factors. Nevertheless, further research through randomized clinical trials will still be required to fully detail the clinical applications.
Source : Scientific review published in Biochemical Pharmacology.
