Drinking Coffee May Significantly Reduce the Risk of Serious Liver Disease, Study Finds

Islamabad: Regular coffee consumption may offer more than just a boost in alertness—it could also help protect against serious liver diseases, according to a new medical study.

The research, published in the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that people who drink coffee daily have a lower risk of developing severe liver conditions, including liver cancer, and are less likely to die from liver disease.

The study analyzed data from more than 350,000 participants aged between 40 and 69 years, who were enrolled between 2006 and 2010. None of the participants had liver disease or liver cancer at the beginning of the study.

Researchers tracked the participants’ health for 13 years, examining the incidence of liver disease, liver cancer, and liver-related deaths while also collecting information about their coffee consumption habits.

The findings showed that people who drank five or more cups of coffee per day had significantly better liver health. Compared with non-coffee drinkers, they experienced:

A 32% lower risk of developing liver fibrosis (scarring of the liver).
A 47% lower risk of liver cancer.
A 42% lower risk of dying from liver disease.

The researchers also found that drinking one to four cups of coffee daily was associated with a reduction in the risk of liver disease, although the protective effect was smaller than among those with higher consumption.

According to the study, regular coffee intake was linked to lower levels of fat and iron accumulation in the liver, as well as reduced inflammation.

The researchers noted that all types of coffee appeared to provide benefits for liver health. They suggested that coffee contains bioactive compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, two major factors associated with liver damage.

While the findings are encouraging, experts caution that coffee should not be considered a substitute for a healthy lifestyle or medical treatment. People with existing liver disease or other health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.