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Coffee may have unique properties that can inhibit the onset of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver |
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| Coffee and Liver Function |
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For many of us the day does not begin until we have
enjoyed our first cup of coffee. We know it helps increase our
energy and alertness, but there is increasing scientific evidence
to show that coffee may also help provide significant protection
against the development of liver disease.
In a presentation at the Tea and Coffee Symposium in June 2003 Professor D'Amicis, Head of Nutrition Information Unit at INRAN in Rome, Italy, highlighted how coffee drinking specifically could be protective against:
- Cirrhosis of the liver (a disease causing progressive damage and scarring of the liver tissue and function)
- Gallbladder disease - by reducing the risk of gallstone formation.
- An increase of liver enzyme activity. A high liver enzyme activity is a recognised indicator that there has been deterioration in the functioning of liver cells and possible development of disease in the liver.
“Such significant data shows us how drinking coffee could provide a real benefit to our health”, said Prof D'Amicis. In his presentation, Professor D'Amicis highlighted one study (Klatsky 1992) that showed that coffee drinking, was inversely related to alcoholic cirrhosis risk. This study involving over 128,000 adults showed that persons drinking four cups per day are at one fifth the risk of those who did not drink any coffee.
More recent studies (Corrao 2001) confirmed the findings that it is specifically coffee, but not other beverages containing caffeine, that may be the key factor in inhibiting the onset of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
In another large study (Leitzmann 1999), results showed that men who regularly drank two to three cups of coffee per day – filtered, instant or espresso - had about a 30-40% reduction in risk of gallstone disease. For men who drank four cups per day, the reduction was even more significant – the risk was cut in half. Other study results (Leitzmann 2002) have demonstrated a similar positive effect in women.
We cannot live without a functioning liver – so here is some good news – that cup of coffee we all enjoy is not bad for us at all. In moderation, drinking coffee not only helps increase our energy and alertness but may also be helping to keep our liver healthy.
For further information, visit References
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