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Research has consistently shown that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop liver diseases such as liver cancer, fibrosis (scar tissue in the liver), cirrhosis (a severe stage of fibrosis where the liver no longer functions properly), and non-alcohol- fatty liver disease (fat accumulation in the liver), as reported by WebMD.

In specific, a study done by the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that drinking just two cups of coffee a day reduced the risk of cirrhosis by 44%, CNN reported.

Moreover, a team of liver specialists from Michigan Medicine and Harvard Medical School discovered that consuming more than three cups of coffee a day led to reduced liver stiffness when lifestyle factors were accounted for. These individuals also experienced lower risks to increased liver stiffness.

For people already experiencing liver issues, moderate coffee intake—typically one to three cups a day—may help slow the progression of conditions such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C, and non-alcohol- fatty liver disease.

These benefits stem from the over 1,000 chemicals found in coffee, many of which are still being researched for their impact on liver health. Here’s how some of these compounds may contribute to liver protection:

• Paraxanthine, a chemical produced when caffeine is digested, may slow the development of liver scar tissue, helping to combat liver cancer, cirrhosis, and hepatitis C.
• Kahweol and cafestol, two chemicals found in coffee, may have cancer-fighting properties. Although research is still in its early stages, moderate consumption of unsweetened coffee may complement treatments for liver cancer.
• Acids in coffee may help fight the hepatitis B virus, and studies have suggested that decaffeinated coffee might offer similar benefits.

These coffee benefits apply to both men and women, regardless of the preparation method—whether filtered, instant, or espresso.

While coffee may have protective effects on the liver, it should be considered part of an overall healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, and regular physical activity.