Can coffee really help hepatitis C sufferers?
It is rare that someone with medical authority suggests that doing something you enjoy doing is good for you isn’t it? How many of us really enjoy eating lettuce leaves or working up a sweat in the gym? Sadly, the more enjoyable indulgences of life tend to have some sort of health warning attached to them.
However, the recent research project reported in Gastroenterology may offer hope for those suffering with chronic liver disease (advanced hepatitis C patients). Are they proposing a painful or unpleasant treatment? No, the study does not suggest this at all. Apparently the caffeine elixir, coffee, may hold some of the answers to treating this illness.
So what does the study suggest? Apparently, those who are undergoing treatment for their disease (peginterferon plus ribavirin to be precise) were more responsive to the treatment when compared with non-coffee drinkers. The difference was not negligible either – patients who consumed over three cups on a daily basis were twice as likely to respond.
One of the leading scientists that was involved with the project has been quoted as confirming that coffee consumption is connected with reduced levels of liver enzymes, slower progress of chronic liver disease and also lower cases of liver cancer. Caution is warranted however: more tests need to be completed before scientists treat the results as comprehensive or conclusive.
Various studies are being carried out by scientists the world over to find out whether our cup of ‘joe’ has health effects. Fingers crossed that many more excellent health properties will be found in this popular and delicious beverage.