Caffeinated drinks may be good for the liver

A lot of great news has emerged recently with all signs green for drinking more coffee. From cutting down on pain, reducing risks of disease and even weight loss benefits. Now a new research has found drinking coffee could have benefits to the health of your liver.

Researchers have discovered that an increased caffeine intake may reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to a study published in the journal Hepatology.

A team from the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School (Duke-NUS) and the Duke University School of Medicine used cell culture and mice as models for the effects of caffeine on the liver disease. The study found that consuming the caffeine equivalent of four cups of coffee or tea a day may prevent and protect against the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans.

People with NAFLD have a build up of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol – according to the American Liver Foundation, up to a quarter of Americans have the disease, and there is no treatment, only prevention through diet and exercise. The study’s researchers show that caffeine reduces fat content within the liver and “stimulates β-oxidation in hepatic cells and liver via an autophagy-lysosomal pathway.”

Additionally, the USDA’s new 2015 dietary guidelines also recommend it for better health. They advise people that having 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day is good for their overall health and reduces the risk of disease. However, they report that adding sugar, cream, or flavored creamers quickly negates the potential benefits. The complete report here.(pdf).

Cheers to your health!