Coffee unfortunately, still has a fairly bad reputation as far as its effect on our health is concerned, and there is an ongoing debate whether it is harmful to the liver or even good for it. We aim to get to the bottom of the concept of coffee as a liver protector, look at scientific studies and clarify the question of what’s a healthy daily dose of coffee for your liver.
Studies Prove That Coffee Is a Good Liver Protector!
Coffee fans take note: We have good news for you! Various studies have brought to light that coffee is a real liver tonic, as it contains bioactive substances that have a protective effect on this vital organ, which means that active coffee drinkers are less likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma.
Long-term damage from chronic infections such as hepatitis B or C and alcohol addiction can result in liver cancer. Although coffee is no substitute for drug therapy, the substances contained in coffee appear to limit damage to the liver and counteract fibrosis.
But even those who do not have any damage, can benefit from drinking the popular brew because it improves elevated values. Researchers found that consuming coffee helps various enzymes work optimally and thus acts as a liver detox.
Some Facts About the Liver: What’s Harmful or Beneficial
Before asking whether coffee is a liver protector, it is important to clarify how the largest internal organ in our body functions, what is harmful for it and how we can protect it.
The liver is a complex organ that primarily metabolizes our food and detoxifies the body. It's absolutely essential for us, but generally, we don’t really focus on the liver because it tends to cause us little discomfort. Here is a list of things that are harmful:
- Excessive consumption of sugary and fatty foods.
- Dietary supplements - ideally they should support our health, but vitamin A and B3 in particularly high doses can actually be harmful.
- Paracetamol and other painkillers that are broken down in the liver. It is advisable, not to take any medication without consulting a doctor.Alcohol - but how much is too much? Opinions on this issue are divided! However, it is clear that an alcohol addiction usually causes lasting damage.
- Excess weight - because too much body fat also settles in this organ and leads to a fatty liver, which can ultimately result in cirrhosis.
- Too much fruit! Yes, you did read that correctly. Consuming large amounts of fructose increases the risk of fatty liver.
How Can I Tell if I Have Liver Damage?
Liver damage is frequently not recognized at all, as it is predominantly painless and symptom-free. However, you should definitely consult a physician, if your urine turns dark brown, if you feel a prolonged feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen on the right side. If your eyeballs appear yellowish or a greenish to brown ring develops around the iris, this is another warning sign.
What Can I Do to Protect My Liver and Undo Damage?
You can protect your liver and also lower any elevated levels rapidly, if you adhere to these proven home remedies:
- Drink plenty of water! This will help the liver detox and flush toxins out of your body.
- Make sure you get enough exercise! We know this is easier said than done, but being overweight can cause permanent damage. Regular exercise, on the other hand, prevents a fatty liver.
- Eat regional, seasonal, organic products because they tend to contain fewer toxins and make less work for your liver.
- Treat yourself to an occasional artichoke. This can decrease elevated values, due to this vegetable’s bitter substances, which have an antioxidant effect.
- And last but by no means least: drink coffee regularly! As mentioned earlier, coffee can have a positive effect on a fatty liver and is even proved to be an effective aid against cancer.
How Coffee Acts as a Liver Protector
Several essential substances contained in coffee are especially beneficial. Caffeine affects the metabolism and stems the growth of certain cells that cause cirrhosis and even cancer. Cafestol and kahweol have an antioxidant effect and protect this vital organ. Chlorogenic acid also has a similar effect, enhancing the positive impact. Thus, decaffeinated coffee is equally beneficial.
Furthermore, scientists have observed that drinking the popular pick-me-up made a real difference in patients with severe disease, before and after a liver transplant. Coffee delays the progress of the disease and enhances the chances of survival after the operation.
Additionally, researchers were able to demonstrate that the hepatoprotective quality of coffee leads to reduced histological activity in patients suffering from Hepatitis C.
The Positive Effect of Coffee on Restoring a Fatty Liver
Fatty liver mostly develops in people who are overweight and suffer from diabetes or high cholesterol. It can cause cirrhosis over time, and the scarring can even result in cancer. If you have already been diagnosed with this condition and want to protect and renew your liver, drinking coffee regularly can have a very positive effect on this important organ.
Sufferers are advised to consume at least one cup of the stimulating brew every day. In addition to coffee, adequate exercise, abstinence from alcohol and a healthy diet are particularly effective in counteracting a fatty liver.
Since fatty liver usually stems from poor eating habits, it's also critical to adjust your diet with healthy recipes like these.
It's All in the Dose: How Much Coffee Detoxes Your Liver
When it comes to coffee, more is actually more. For coffee to have a real effect as a liver aid, it's best to drink at least three cups a day, but you should omit milk and sugar, so you don't add extra fat or excess calories. However, researchers have found that drinking more than five cups no longer increases the positive effect, therefore 3–5 cups of coffee can be considered the ideal daily dose for your liver.
But please be mindful of the fact that not everyone can drink so much coffee without potentially risking headaches, sleeping problems, anxiety, nervousness, palpitations, or even high blood pressure. To find out how much coffee you can safely drink, it’s advisable to monitor yourself carefully and possibly consult your doctor. Scientists advise measuring blood pressure after coffee consumption to get a feel for how the fragrant brew affects it.
The Bottom Line
It has been proved that coffee is an excellent liver protector with many hepatoprotective qualities. The substances contained in coffee help detoxify the liver, protect it from serious diseases and relieve existing ailments. Various studies have indicated that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma than other people.
Coffee Annan's coffee doesn’t only have a positive effect on your health but also a social impact! We strive for a world where consumers can be assured that products are ethically sourced, contribute to equal opportunity, and support much-needed change.
By working directly with producers, we can ensure that more of the profits remain in the communities where the coveted beans are grown.
Are you intrigued? Click here to see what lies in store for you in our shop! Can't make up your mind? Why not order one of our sample packs and find the coffee that suits you best!
