Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : July 21, 2016 3:52 PM IST
Waking up to the aroma of coffee is what a lot of people swear by for an energetic and refreshing day. But did you know that drinking a cup of coffee can lower your risk of liver problems? Moreover, people with liver disease should drink at least two cups of coffee every day as it is associated with lower incidence of cirrhosis and fibrosis of the liver. Dr Manav Wadhawan, Senior Consultant, Fortis Escorts Liver and Digestive Diseases Institute, Delhi reveals key details on how coffee can improve your liver function and also protect against liver disease.
How does coffee help?
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants like chlorogenic acid (CGA) and tocopherols. Studies have shown that intake of coffee with a high level of CGA not only modulates glucose tolerance but also decreases non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development [1]. Moreover, coffee decreases expression of growth factors, which play a key role in lowering your risk of fibrosis and also alcohol-induced liver injury. Also, read about other health benefits of coffee.
How much is too much?
To improve your liver function and lower your risk of liver damage, you should drink more than two cups of coffee every day, where one cup is equivalent to 10 gm of whole bean coffee and 5 gm of instant coffee. Although drinking around four to six cups of coffee a day is recommended, be extra cautious as it can lead to numerous health problems when taken in excess. Kids below 6 years should be restricted from drinking coffee as excessive caffeine can lead to anxiety and restlessness. Even in young adults, consuming large amounts of coffee is not recommended as it can cause a headache and insomnia, along with increasing your risk of addiction. According to studies, intake of around 400 mg of caffeine is considered safe for consumption [2]. Did you know a cup of hot, black coffee can act as first-aid in case of a sudden asthma attack?
References
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