Coffee May Shield Liver From Disease and Cancer, Large Study Finds

A large, long-term study of more than 354,000 participants found that regular coffee consumption is associated with lower risks of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver-related death, with bigger risk reductions at higher intake (even five cups or more). The study suggests the benefit may stem from coffee's antioxidants rather than caffeine, since decaffeinated coffee showed similar effects. Additives like sugar slightly dampen the benefit. The authors caution that these are associations, not proof of causation, and limitations include baseline-only coffee intake data and a predominantly European, health-conscious cohort. Coffee may have other health benefits as well, but moderation of sugar and caffeine is advised per guidelines.