International Shia News Agency

Drinking three or more cups of decaf or caffeinated coffee per day improves liver health!

SHAFAQNA – Recent research from the National Cancer Institute reports drinking coffee may improve liver health.  The study reports that increased coffee consumption regardless of caffeine content was connected to lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes.  This information suggests that compounds in coffee outside of caffeine may be effective at protecting the liver. (1,3)

Prior studies on coffee have indicated that consumption of coffee can help lower the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. (1)

“Prior research found that drinking coffee may have a possible protective effect on the liver. However, the evidence is not clear if that benefit may extend to decaffeinated coffee,” explains lead researcher Dr. Qian Xiao from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. (3)

For this study researched used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999-2010.  The study included 27,793 participants from ages 20 or older who provided coffee intake data in a 24-hour period.  The team measured blood levels of liver function that included aminotransferase (ALT), aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, and gamma glutamyl transaminase (GGT) to determine the health of the liver. (1,2)

Study demonstrates that those who consume 3 or more cups of decaf or caffeinated coffee experience lower levels of liver enzymes.

Those participants who reported drinking three or more cups of coffee per day reported lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT compared to those who reported no coffee consumption.  Research indicated low levels of liver enzymes for those who reported only drinking decaffeinated coffee. (1)

Dr. Xiao concludes, “Our findings link total and decaffeinated coffee intake to lower liver enzyme levels. These data suggest that ingredients in coffee, other than caffeine, may promote liver health. Further studies are needed to identify these components.” (1,3)

Sources for this article include:

(1) www.sciencedaily.com
(2) www.foxnews.com
(3) www.wiley.com

 

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