A study published in BMC Public Health has shown that drinking 3-4 cups of coffee each day may help reduce the risk of liver cancer as well as other liver diseases related to alcohol.
Dr. Oliver Kennedy from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton (UK), who is also the lead author of the study, stated: “Coffee is a popular beverage. Our study findings suggest that drinking coffee could be a potential preventive measure against chronic liver disease. This will be particularly valuable in low-income areas with a high burden of chronic liver diseases.”
Which Type of Coffee Prevents Liver Cancer?
Ground coffee contains high levels of kahweol and cafestol, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties.
In the study, researchers found that individuals who regularly consumed ground coffee containing caffeine or decaffeinated coffee experienced the most significant benefits in preventing liver cancer and other liver diseases. Meanwhile, those who drank instant coffee may also receive some benefits in preventing these illnesses.
The researchers believe that the reason is that ground coffee has higher levels of kahweol and cafestol. These are two antioxidants found in coffee beans that have been proven to possess anti-inflammatory properties.
However, according to Vanessa Hebditch, a member of the British Liver Trust (a charity in the UK that aims to raise awareness about liver health), drinking coffee is not the only way to maintain a healthy liver. People need to take other measures, including reducing alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and a balanced diet.
Important Considerations When Drinking Coffee
Additionally, researchers emphasize that individuals can only maximize their benefits in preventing liver diseases by consuming 3-4 cups of coffee daily. Consuming more than this recommended amount not only does not provide additional benefits but may also lead to unwanted side effects. Cafestol has also been shown to potentially raise “bad” cholesterol – LDL when consumed in excess.
This is not the first study to find health benefits from coffee. CNN reported that a previous study showed that drinking caffeinated black coffee daily could reduce the risk of heart failure. Meanwhile, numerous other studies have indicated that regular coffee consumption might lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, melanoma, and various other skin cancers.
A previous study from the University of Southampton (UK) found that drinking coffee could help reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. However, when consuming coffee, besides moderation, individuals should also be mindful of the amount of sweeteners added to avoid negating the potential benefits of this beverage.
