New research suggests that a simple daily coffee habit could have a powerful impact on liver health.

A large-scale study published in *Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology* found that coffee drinkers faced significantly lower risks of liver disease, liver cancer, and liver-related death compared to non-drinkers.

The study analyzed data from 354,957 participants in the UK Biobank, following individuals without cirrhosis or liver cancer over an average of 13 years.

Researchers reported that adults who drank one to two cups of coffee per day were 20 percent less likely to develop cirrhosis and 31 percent less likely to die from liver-related causes.

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

Those benefits grew with higher coffee intake. People who drank five or more cups daily experienced a 32 percent reduction in cirrhosis risk, a 42 percent drop in liver-related mortality, and a 47 percent lower chance of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer.

Dr. Kyle Feldmann, a cardiologist, discussed the findings, describing them as part of a growing body of evidence on coffee’s potential health benefits.

Previous research had hinted at coffee’s role in liver protection, but this study offered biological data to back up those associations.

To understand the mechanisms behind these effects, researchers performed additional analyses using imaging scans from nearly 29,000 participants and blood samples from around 50,000 individuals.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

They found that heavy coffee drinkers had notably lower levels of liver fat and iron, as well as reduced signs of fibroinflammation. This condition, which involves scarring and inflammation, can lead to long-term liver damage.

Blood samples revealed that coffee intake was associated with reduced levels of certain proteins linked to inflammation and scarring, and with increased levels of proteins necessary for healthy liver function.

Interestingly, the study showed that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee offered similar protective benefits, pointing to naturally occurring compounds beyond caffeine as possible factors.

While sugar or artificial sweeteners did not completely negate the benefits, the data suggested that they slightly reduced coffee’s positive effects, particularly regarding liver inflammation markers.

Researchers emphasized that while coffee may support liver health, it should complement rather than replace standard preventive healthcare practices.

They also cautioned that because the study relied on self-reported dietary data, coffee habits could have changed over the 13-year period, and the observational design prevents researchers from proving cause and effect.

The findings continue to support the idea that coffee may be more than a morning pick-me-up and could play a meaningful role in long-term liver health when consumed regularly.