The consumption of at least two cups of coffee a day could offer a significant protective effect on the liveraccording to various studies cited by the EASL The Journal of Hepatology and the New England Journal of Medicine.
Research has identified that this habit is associated with a lower risk of developing liver damage such as cirrhosis, fibrosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Coffee and its impact on liver health
The role of coffee in the prevention of diseases of the liver It has been analyzed in depth by international scientific teams.
According to the EASL The Journal of Hepatology, People who consume between two and three cups a day have a lower degree of liver fibrosis compared to those who do not drink this infusion..
Fibrosis corresponds to the initial stage of liver damage and is characterized by the formation of internal scars that reduce the functioning of the organ.
The New England Journal of Medicine reported that coffee intervenes from the early stages of liver injury and its effects extend to advanced stages. The cirrhosisa consequence of prolonged fibrosis, also progresses more slowly in those who incorporate coffee into their daily diet. According to specialists, habitual consumption positively influences the evolution and severity of these diseases.
Studies and scientific evidence
In 2017, a study conducted in Netherlands measured the level of internal liver scarring in different groups of patients. The results, released by the EASL The Journal of Hepatologythey showed better indicators in those who drank more coffee. Another global analysis, collected by the New England Journal of Medicinerevealed that protection is maintained even in people with a history of hepatitis C or previous liver disease.
Among the main notable findings:
- Drinking two or more cups of coffee daily reduces the risk of developing liver cancer.
- Coffee slows the progression of fibrosis and cirrhosis.
- The benefits are seen in both healthy patients and those who already suffer from liver diseases.
What type of coffee is best for the liver?
The hepatoprotective effect is found both in the caffeinated coffee as in the decaffeinatedalthough studies attribute greater effectiveness to the former due to the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds associated with caffeine. Mayo Clinic points out that moderate consumption of coffee in any of its forms can contribute to protection against liver damage, as long as additives such as sugar or excessive cream are avoided.
The general recommendation, collected by the EASL The Journal of Hepatologysuggests opting for filtered or traditionally prepared coffee, avoiding ultra-processed versions or those with high levels of sweeteners.
Coffee and fatty liver prevention
He nonalcoholic fatty liver represents one of the most frequent causes of liver damage. Scientific evidence indicates that coffee helps reduce fat accumulation in the organ and improves metabolic parameters in overweight people and type 2 diabetes.
The doctor John Griffith Jonesquoted by the Portuguese scientific team, explained: “Higher cumulative amounts of caffeinated and non-caffeinated metabolites in urine are associated with less severity of NAFLD in overweight people with type 2 diabetes.”.
The protection is attributed to the action of antioxidants and the ability of coffee to modulate enzymes involved in inflammation and fat metabolism.
Limits and recommendations on alcohol consumption
He liver faces additional risks due to obesity, sedentary lifestyle and especially excessive consumption of alcohol. The experts, cited by the EASL The Journal of Hepatologythey recommend do not exceed two beers, two glasses of wine or two drinks of liquor a day to avoid saturating the liver’s metabolizing capacity. Exceeding these limits increases the production of toxic substances and accelerates the appearance of serious diseases.
Medical considerations and periodic check-ups
Although the benefits of coffee are clear, specialists warn that its consumption It does not replace medical check-ups or specialized monitoring in case of liver diseases. Causes of liver damage include, in addition to alcohol and diet, genetic factors, viral hepatitis, and medication effects.
The EASL The Journal of Hepatology and the New England Journal of Medicine They emphasize the importance of combining responsible coffee consumption with a balanced diet, weight control, physical activity and regular medical supervision.
Summary of recommendations
- Drinking between two and three cups of coffee a day helps protect the liver.
- Caffeinated coffee has a greater hepatoprotective effect, although decaffeinated coffee also provides benefits.
- Consumption should be moderate and without excess sugar or cream.
- Do not exceed two alcoholic drinks a day to avoid additional damage.
- Maintain regular medical check-ups and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Coffee, backed by evidence from media such as EASL The Journal of Hepatologyhe New England Journal of Medicine and Mayo Clinicis consolidated as an ally in the prevention of liver diseases, always within the framework of nutrition and comprehensive care of the body.
