A new study has found that drinking coffee, even in high amounts, may lower the risk of liver disease or liver cancer. The study, which followed over 354,000 participants for more than a decade, found that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Study Findings

The study found that the potential protective effect of coffee increased with the amount consumed. One to two cups daily was associated with a 20% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 24% lower risk of liver cancer, and 31% lower odds of liver-related death. Three to four cups daily was linked with a 35% lower risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer, and a 41% lower chance of liver-related death.

The researchers also found that the risk reductions among those who sweetened their coffee with sugar or substitutes were slightly lower but otherwise similar. However, the American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 6% of daily calories.

Liver Health Benefits

The study suggests that the liver benefits from coffee are not due to caffeine, but rather the anti-oxidative effect of coffee. The researchers found that coffee drinkers had healthier liver protein profiles and less liver fat and inflammation.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.