A new study has found that drinking coffee daily may lower the risk for liver disease or liver cancer, even if you drink five or more cups a day. The study, which followed over 354,000 participants for more than a decade, found that the potential protective effect of coffee increased with the amount consumed.

Study Findings

According to the study, one to two cups of coffee daily was associated with a 20% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 24% lower risk of liver cancer, and a 31% lower risk 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. Five cups or more was correlated with a 32% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47% decrease in risk for liver cancer, and a 42% lower risk of liver-related death.

The study also found that the risk reductions among those who sweetened their coffee with sugar or substitutes were slightly lower but otherwise similar. However, the researchers noted that participants who used sweeteners had an elevated marker for liver inflammation, which can contribute to fatty liver disease.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 6% of daily calories, and the US Food and Drug Administration recommends limiting caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams per day for generally healthy adults.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.