The consumption of coffee with caffeine and its relationship with liver fibrosis has been the subject of study in recent years.

According to the Mexican Foundation for Liver Health (FundHepa), scientific evidence indicates that drink between two and four cups of filtered coffee a day may help reduce the frequency of serious liver complications, such as cirrhosis and the development of liver cancer.

The gastroenterologist and hepatologist Ignacio Aiza Haddad explained to FundHepa The benefits of coffee on liver health have been confirmed by formal studies, although the exact mechanism is still being investigated.

“Coffee is one of the foods or drinks that we can consume, which is definitely beneficial for the liver,” said the specialist. He added that although there are recent publications on decaffeinated coffee, the current recommendation is to consume caffeinated coffee prepared with a filter, avoiding adding large amounts of sugar.

Recent research has shown that regular consumption of filtered coffee decreases the likelihood of developing cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs when the liver becomes diseased, destroyed, and filled with scar tissue, altering its architecture and function. According to Dr. Aiza Haddad, “coffee reduces the frequency of cirrhosis. One of the complications of cirrhosis is developing cancer. “It has been seen that coffee reduces the probability of developing cancer.”

The doctor also pointed out that coffee can be beneficial in liver diseases that are very common in Mexico, such as fatty liver disease and hepatitis C. “The problems that are very, very common in Mexico, of Fatty liver disease and hepatitis Cit has also been seen that benefit from the use of coffee“, he stated to FundHepa.

The recommendation is to consume two to four cups of filtered coffee a day, with as little sweetener as possible. The protective effect has been studied mainly with coffee prepared in a filter machine, not with methods such as espresso or Turkish coffee, which usually require more sugar. “The recommendation is that it be between two and four cups of coffee every day and preferably filtered coffee and with the smallest amount of sweetener possible.”explained Dr. Aiza Haddad.

In the case of espresso and Turkish coffee, frequent consumption of sugar could counteract the positive effect of coffee on the liver. Therefore, it is suggested to avoid excess sugars and opt for simple preparations.

The liver fibrosis It is one of the most frequent complications derived from chronic liver diseases. It is characterized by the accumulation of collagen and scar tissue in the organ, which alters its function and can progress to cirrhosis. Coffee consumption does not replace medical treatment or primary prevention, but it can be an ally in reducing the risk of disease progression.

The Mexican Foundation for Liver Health, created since 1998, works to promote the prevention, detection and timely treatment of liver diseases. The organization points out that the adoption of healthy habits, such as moderate intake of filtered coffee, can be part of daily strategies to take care of liver health.

The relationship between coffee and liver health has given rise to doubts and myths. Dr. Ignacio Aiza Haddad acknowledged that many people believe that coffee can be harmful. However, the evidence indicates the opposite for filtered coffee consumed in moderate quantities. “It kind of causes a lot of doubts about coffee, because sometimes you can think, well, what is good, what is bad, and in particular you hear about coffee as a product that can be beneficial for the liver”, he commented.

Among the most common myths are the belief that coffee necessarily causes liver damage or that its consumption should be avoided in people with a history of liver disease. Current recommendations, based on recent studies, support the responsible consumption of filtered coffee, always under the guidance of a specialist in case of doubt.

Regular consumption of filtered coffee can be a useful complement in the prevention strategy of liver diseases, along with the adoption of a balanced diet, physical activity and control of risk factors such as alcohol consumption and obesity.

The Mexican Foundation for Liver Health maintains information and prevention campaigns, with the support of specialists in gastroenterology and hepatology, to bring updated knowledge about liver care to the Mexican population.