Coffee consumption linked to lower liver disease risk

A large new study has found that drinking coffee, including decaffeinated varieties, is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing serious liver conditions. The research, published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, suggests that moderate coffee consumption can be part of a liver-healthy lifestyle.

The study analyzed data from more than 350,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database. Participants, who were between 40 and 69 years old and free of liver disease at the study's start, were followed for over 13 years. Researchers tracked new cases of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver-related death.

The findings showed a dose-related benefit. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who consumed five or more cups daily had a 32% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47% lower risk of liver cancer, and a 42% lower risk of liver-related death. Significant benefits were also observed at lower intakes. Drinking one to two cups daily was linked to a 20% lower cirrhosis risk, a 24% lower liver cancer risk, and a 31% lower risk of liver-related death. Three to four cups daily was associated with a 35% lower risk for both cirrhosis and liver...