(Web Desk) - A new study has found that a daily cup of coffee may substantially lower the risk of liver cancer and other serious liver diseases, offering fresh evidence of coffee's potential health benefits.
The research, published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, suggests that regular coffee consumption is associated with improved liver health, even among people who drink five or more cups a day.
The study was led by liver specialist Dr. Hyunseok Kim of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Researchers followed more than 354,000 participants over a period of approximately 10 years to examine the long-term effects of coffee consumption on liver health.
According to the findings, people who consumed five cups of coffee daily experienced a 32 percent lower risk of liver fibrosis (scarring), a 47 percent reduction in the risk of liver cancer, and a 42 percent lower risk of death from liver disease compared with those who drank little or no coffee.
Researchers also found that the protective effects were not limited to caffeinated coffee. Similar health benefits were observed among participants who regularly drank decaffeinated coffee, indicating that caffeine is unlikely to be the primary factor responsible for the positive outcomes.
Dr. Kim said the benefits are more likely linked to the powerful antioxidants naturally present in coffee, which help reduce inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver. The study added that these improvements were supported by findings from modern MRI scans, which showed healthier liver tissue among regular coffee drinkers.
While the findings highlight a strong association between coffee consumption and better liver health, researchers noted that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following medical advice remain essential for preventing liver disease.