Regular Coffee Consumption Linked to Lower Risk of Liver Disease and Cancer: Study

The results showed that coffee drinkers generally had healthier livers than people who did not drink coffee.

People who drank five or more cups of coffee a day had:

• 32% lower risk of cirrhosis

• 47% lower risk of liver cancer

• 42% lower risk of dying from liver disease

The researchers also looked at liver MRI scans and blood samples. They found that people who drank more coffee had:

• Less fat in the liver

• Less liver scarring (fibrosis)

• Lower liver inflammation

• Lower iron buildup in the liver

• Higher levels of proteins linked to healthy liver function

The benefits were not limited to heavy coffee drinkers. Even people who drank 1-2 cups a day showed some protection, while the strongest benefits were seen in those drinking about 3-4 cups daily. Interestingly, both regular and decaffeinated coffee were linked to better liver health. This suggests that compounds in coffee other than caffeine may help protect the liver.

However, the researchers stressed that this study only shows a link, not proof that coffee directly prevents liver disease. They do not recommend that people start drinking large amounts of coffee just for liver protection. Experts say the best ways to keep your liver healthy are maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

REFERENCE: Hyun-Seok Kim, Mohammad Saeid Rezaee-Zavareh, et al.; Coffee Consumption and Improved Liver Outcomes: Clinical, Imaging, and Proteomic Evidence From the UK Biobank. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2026; DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2026.04.035