Many scientific studies have explored the link between coffee and liver cancer.
For many years, coffee has been regarded as a drink that helps increase alertness and improve mood. However, recent research suggests that a morning cup of coffee may offer benefits beyond just keeping you awake—it may also help reduce the risk of liver cancer. According to Times of India, liver cancer is currently one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
How does coffee help reduce liver cancer risk?
Times of India cited a series of scientific studies showing that regular coffee consumption may lower the risk of liver cancer.
For example, a meta-analysis of over 130,000 participants, published in Frontiers in Oncology in 2022, found that those who drank two cups of coffee per day could reduce their risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by up to 35%. Frontiers in Oncology is an international scientific journal specializing in cancer research. Notably, this association remained even after accounting for other risk factors such as alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, or body mass index (BMI).
Other large-scale studies have produced similar results. An analysis of 239,000 people showed that drinking an additional two cups per day helped reduce liver cancer risk by 43%. Another meta-analysis in 2013 suggested that drinking coffee at any dose could lower the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by about 40% compared to non-drinkers, according to Times of India.
Interestingly, the liver-protective effect appears in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, indicating that the benefits are not solely due to caffeine.
In addition to caffeine, coffee contains over 1,000 bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, diterpenes, and numerous natural antioxidants. Scientific analyses suggest that these compounds may:
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Reduce inflammation in liver tissue
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Limit oxidative stress—a factor that promotes cancer
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Slow the progression of liver fibrosis
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Improve liver enzyme levels and insulin sensitivity
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Reduce fat accumulation, thereby lowering the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
All of these factors contribute to a lower risk of progression to cirrhosis, which is often the “gateway” to liver cancer.
Many experts believe these findings are particularly meaningful for people living with chronic liver conditions, such as viral hepatitis or fatty liver disease.
How to drink coffee for the best effect
There is currently no official recommendation on the ideal dosage, but many studies suggest that 2–4 cups of coffee per day may provide the clearest preventive benefit against liver cancer. Interestingly, the protective effect appears consistent regardless of brewing method—espresso, instant coffee, or drip coffee.
However, scientists also warn that, depending on individual tolerance, excessive coffee intake can cause insomnia, digestive discomfort, or a rapid heartbeat. People with arrhythmias, severe anxiety, stomach disorders, or pregnant women should consult a doctor before increasing coffee consumption.
Coffee may help reduce the risk of liver cancer, but it is not an “absolute shield”
Researchers emphasize that current studies only show an association between coffee consumption and lower liver cancer risk—they do not prove that coffee directly reduces the risk. Coffee cannot compensate for high-risk lifestyles, such as:
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Uncontrolled viral hepatitis
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Skipping regular liver health check-ups
Therefore, coffee should be considered part of a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and actively monitoring liver health.
Source: Times of India