Coffee has long since been regarded as a relative pariah in the health and nutrition world. Newer research, however, suggests that your morning Americano may have some hidden health benefits.

Traditional roasted coffee has over 1000 bioactive compounds, many of which contain therapeutic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-carcinogenic effects. It has also been found that individual genotype and gut microbiome determine the bioavailability and type of coffee metabolites the body is able to use which include caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and the diterpenes, cafestol, and kahweol.c. (1)

Over the past decade, evidence has been found that links coffee to numerous health benefits, one more recent development is coffees positive effect on liver enzymes and the occurrence and recovery from liver diseases. In one particular study, 59 cases of liver cirrhosis related to alcohol were diagnosed and subjects who drank four or more cups of coffee per day had 80% less chance of developing liver cirrhosis than non- coffee drinkers. In a second study on the same group, it was also reported that coffee drinkers had 23% less chance of dying from liver cirrhosis than non-coffee drinkers. One thing worth noting, however, is, while the studies accounted for alcohol consumption, none of them accounted for other cirrhosis risk factors like obesity and diabetes. (2)

In another case-controlled study on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, it was found that a lifetime of coffee consumption, at an average of 3 cups per day, was negatively associated with the development of this type of cancer at a rate of over 50%. (3)

While research is still unclear on which of the many compounds found in coffee is responsible for its positive effect on the liver, one theory is in regards to the metabolite paraxanthine found in caffeine which has been seen to defeat the synthesis of the connective tissue growth factor (CGTF). This mechanism has the potential to slow the progress of the liver fibrosis, liver cancer, and alcoholic cirrhosis. (4) Coffees two natural coffee compounds, cafestol, and kahweol, are also thought to be those that possess anti-carcinogenic properties.

Another interesting finding in regards to moderate coffee consumption is the increase in plasma glutathione. Glutathione is known as one of the most important endogenous antioxidants found in the body which plays an important role in cellular defense against oxidative damage. (5) The increase in plasma glutathione brought on by drinking coffee may be the mechanism responsible for its rejuvenating effects on the liver.

So, ready to give coffee another try? Here are a few tips on how best to incorporate coffee into your wellness plan:

1. Coffee is best consumed before 2 pm, this will stop caffeine from interfering with sleep patterns which can alter health benefits.

2. Try to get used to drinking your coffee black or add unsweetened nut milk. Those not trying to watch saturated fat intake can also blend one tablespoon of coconut oil into their coffee for a “latte” like feel. Regardless of how you choose to take it, make sure your coffee is free of added sugar and artificial sweeteners.

3. Choose a well-sourced coffee, preferably organic, to cut down on added toxins that may negate health benefits.

4. Because caffeine is a diuretic and can throw off electrolyte balance, aim for no more than 2 cups per day for maximum benefits.

References

1. Chen, Xiu-Min; Ma, Zhili; Kitts, David D. Effects of processing method and age of leaves on phytochemical profiles and bioactivity of coffee leaves. Science J. 2018-05-30

2. Carlo La Vecchia. Coffee, liver enzymes, cirrhosis and liver cancer.Journal of Hepatology 42 (2005) 444–446

3. Inoue M, Yoshimi I, Sobue T, Tsugane S. Influence of coffee drinking on subsequent risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective study in Japan. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005;97(4):293–300.

4. Zaneta Buchtova, Zuzana Lackova, Jiri Kudr, Vojtech Adam. Brno, Czech Republic. 2017. 8–9