Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages worldwide, boosting alertness and offering numerous health benefits.
However, does drinking coffee daily harm your liver? Scientific studies have uncovered surprising findings about the connection between coffee and liver function.
Is Coffee Actually Good for Your Liver?
Contrary to common concerns, recent studies suggest that drinking coffee may significantly benefit the liver.
Coffee is a favorite drink for many (Photo: Getty).
A study published in BMC Public Health followed over 495,000 people for 10 years and found that regular coffee drinkers had a 21% lower risk of liver disease compared to non-drinkers.
Notably, the risk of death from chronic liver disease was reduced by up to 49% among coffee drinkers.
Furthermore, another study conducted by the University of Southampton and the University of Edinburgh involving more than 2.25 million participants reached similar conclusions.
The research showed that those who drank 1-2 cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of liver cancer, while those consuming 5 cups/day could reduce their risk by up to 50%.
Dr. Oliver Kennedy, the lead author of the study, explained: “Coffee contains beneficial compounds like kahweol, cafestol, and chlorogenic acid. These substances have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the liver from damage and reducing the risk of fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.”
Can Daily Coffee Consumption Harm the Liver?
Despite its benefits, excessive coffee consumption can pose some health risks.
1. Overconsumption May Increase Liver Strain
The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing caffeine. Drinking too much coffee forces the liver to work harder to process and eliminate caffeine.
A study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (USA) revealed that consuming over 500mg of caffeine daily (equivalent to 5 cups of coffee) can impair liver metabolism and stress the organ.
2. Coffee Combined with Alcohol or Painkillers Can Harm the Liver
Some studies suggest that coffee may help mitigate alcohol-induced liver damage. However, drinking coffee alongside alcohol or frequently using painkillers like paracetamol can severely harm the liver.
3. Risk of Sleep Disorders and Nervous Tension
Caffeine in coffee can enhance mental alertness, but excessive consumption or drinking it in the evening may cause insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure—factors that indirectly affect liver function.
Solution: To avoid sleep disturbances, experts recommend avoiding coffee after 4 PM.
How Should You Drink Coffee to Benefit Your Liver?
Based on research and expert recommendations, drinking coffee can be beneficial for the liver if consumed properly. Here are some important guidelines:
– Limit intake to 1-3 cups of coffee per day: According to WHO guidelines, the optimal caffeine intake for liver health ranges from 100-400mg/day, equivalent to about 1-3 regular cups of coffee.
– Drink black coffee, limiting sugar and milk: Black coffee is rich in antioxidants that protect the liver. On the other hand, coffee with excessive sugar or condensed milk may increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
Limit coffee consumption to 1-3 cups daily (Photo: Tú Anh).
– Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach: Caffeine can stimulate stomach acid secretion, increasing the risk of gastritis or ulcers. It’s best to drink coffee after a meal.
– Don’t mix coffee with alcohol or painkillers: If you frequently use paracetamol or consume alcohol, consider reducing your coffee intake to protect your liver.
– Choose high-quality coffee without preservatives: Some pre-made coffee products may contain flavoring chemicals and preservatives harmful to liver health. Opt for pure, unadulterated coffee to ensure safety.
Coffee can be a “good friend” to the liver, but like any food, moderation brings benefits while overuse causes harm. If you have pre-existing liver conditions, consult your doctor for personalized coffee consumption advice.
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