Two cups of coffee may cut the risk from liver cirrhosis
From time to time we focus on scientific studies that look to delve deep into the composition of coffee to see what magical and mystical powers are to be found.
After research emerged last year that coffee could help protect against the inflammatory liver condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis, a further study shows that the drink could benefit the liver even further.
Great news I’m sure you’ll agree.
Published in Hepatology a couple of days ago, a journal published on behalf of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, a report looked into the effects that a number of different beverages had on survival rates of patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.
Dr. Woon-Puay Koh, associated with the National University of Singapore, stated at the outset that “prior evidence suggests that coffee may reduce liver damage in patients with chronic liver disease…Our study [examines] the effects of consuming coffee, alcohol, black tea [and a number other drinks] on the risk of mortality from cirrhosis.”
Just over 63,000 people were recruited to take part in the study, all of whom were aged between 45 and 75, and were residents of the sovereign city-state of Singapore.
They were monitored for an average period of 15 years and interviewers were conducted with people during that time period to determine their diet and any relevant medical history.
During that time frame 14,928 (24%) members of the group died, with 114 of those specifically passing away due to liver cirrhosis.
Findings showed that coffee intake was associated with a lower risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver, specifically for non-viral hepatitis versions.
Subjects who drank two or more cups of coffee on a daily basis had a reduced mortality rate of two-thirds (66%) compared to those who didn’t consume java.
“Our study is the first to demonstrate a difference between the effects of coffee on non-viral and viral hepatitis related cirrhosis mortality,” said Koh.
“This finding resolves the seemingly conflicting results on the effect of coffee in Western and Asian-based studies of death from liver cirrhosis.”
So in addition to our daily caffeine boost and its complex and satisfying variety of flavours, it’s great to know that our favourite drink harnesses a host of health benefits!