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"The findings of several studies suggest a protective effect of coffee on liver cell damage due to alcohol and other lifestyle factors"
Prof. A. D'amicis Rome 2003 |
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| Coffee and Liver Function |
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Time for Coffee - Cheers!
Our liver operates as one of the body's most efficient processing systems. It is the largest organ in the body and is essential in keeping us functioning properly. So, when studies show that individuals who drink coffee have a lower risk of cirrhosis of the liver, (a disease causing progressive damage and scarring of the liver tissue and function), that could offer us a significant benefit to our health.
Early studies (Klatsky 1992) showed that coffee drinking, was inversely related to alcoholic cirrhosis. Persons drinking four cups per day were at one fifth the risk of those who did not drink any coffee. This study involving over 128,000 adults in Italy between 1978 and1985, was part of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program looking at risk profiles for development of liver cirrhosis.
More recent studies (Corrao 2001) suggests that it is specifically coffee, but not other beverages containing caffeine, that is a key factor in reducing the risk of developing of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
We cannot live without a functioning liver – so here is some good news – that cup of coffee we all enjoy drinking is safe and, in moderation, may even be beneficial to our liver.
For further information, visit References
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