3-4 Cups of Coffee Daily May Cut Liver Cancer Risk by 35%, Study Finds

A large-scale study suggests that drinking three to four cups of coffee per day could significantly lower the risk of liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver disease mortality. The research, which tracked the health data of over 350,000 individuals for at least a decade, found a protective effect associated with coffee consumption.

“

This study is likely the most comprehensive long-term follow-up on the effects of coffee.

Interestingly, the study observed similar benefits from both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. This finding leads researchers to believe that compounds other than caffeine, such as antioxidants and other bioactive substances found in coffee, may be responsible for its liver-protective qualities. The study, published in 'Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology,' analyzed data from the UK Biobank, focusing on participants without pre-existing liver conditions.

“

Since similar benefits were observed in people who drank decaffeinated coffee, the liver health benefits of coffee appear to be related to other bioactive substances with antioxidant effects, not caffeine.

While the protective effects generally increased with higher coffee intake, the most pronounced benefits were seen with daily consumption of three to four cups. Even one to two cups showed a noticeable reduction in risk. However, the researchers caution against excessive consumption beyond five cups a day and emphasize that coffee should be viewed as a complementary habit to established healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, and managing blood sugar and blood pressure.

“

We do not recommend starting to drink coffee for liver protection based on this study alone.