Unexpected link discovered between coffee and liver cancer

A study published in the journal BMC Public Health found that drinking three to four cups of coffee a day may help reduce the risk of liver cancer and other alcohol-related liver diseases.

Dr Oliver Kennedy of the School of Medicine, University of Southampton (UK), and lead author of the study said: "Coffee is a popular beverage. The findings from our study suggest that drinking coffee is a potential preventive measure against chronic liver disease. This would be particularly valuable for low-income areas with a high burden of chronic liver disease."

What kind of coffee prevents liver cancer?

Roasted coffee is high in kahweol and cafestol, two substances with anti-inflammatory properties.

In the study, scientists found that the group that regularly drank caffeinated or decaffeinated roasted coffee received the most benefits in preventing liver cancer and other liver diseases. Meanwhile, those who drank instant coffee may also receive certain benefits in preventing this group of diseases.

Researchers believe this is because roasted coffee has higher levels of kahweol and cafestol, two antioxidants found in coffee beans that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

However, according to Vanessa Hebditch, a member of the British Liver Trust (a charity in the UK that works to raise awareness of liver health), drinking coffee is not the only way to have a healthy liver. Accordingly, people need to take other measures including cutting down on alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and a balanced, reasonable diet.

Note when drinking coffee

Additionally, researchers stress that people only get the maximum benefit in preventing liver disease when drinking 3-4 cups of coffee per day. Consuming more than this recommended amount not only does not provide additional benefits but also puts you at risk of unwanted side effects. Cafestol has also been shown to increase 'bad' LDL cholesterol when consumed in large amounts.

This is not the first study to find health benefits from coffee. CNN reported that a previous study found that drinking black coffee containing caffeine every day can reduce the risk of heart failure. Meanwhile, many other studies have shown that drinking coffee regularly can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, prostate cancer, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

A previous study by the University of Southampton (UK) found that drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. However, when drinking coffee, in addition to drinking in moderation, people need to pay attention to the amount of sweetener added to avoid losing the potential benefits of this beverage.