Yes, you read it correctly, coffee does have health benefits but only when it is consumed in limited quantities. Past research has shown that coffee has been linked to a few health benefits such as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease and the newest research shows that people who have a daily cup of coffee may have a lower risk of getting or dying from liver diseases.
Researchers published a study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) which showed that drinking coffee up to three or four cups a day had a protective effect on the liver and prevented Chronic Liver Disease (CLD). The data was obtained from at least 495,000 people in the U.K. It was a study that encompassed coffee drinking habits for over 10 years. However, the study did not include enough participants from the lower- and middle-income groups who are more prone to CLD.
The study found that all coffee drinkers in the particular demography gained some benefits. The benefits were mainly due to kahweol and cafestol, two chemical compounds present in coffee beans. The research concluded that those who made their cups using ground beans gained the maximum protection.
The study also found that coffee drinkers had about 20 percent less risk of contracting a liver disease. They also had lower risks of dying from a liver related disease. Hence the authors concluded that coffee may offer a protective effect. However, it could be one among several factors including exercise and a healthy diet.
The authors also cautioned against the results due to certain factors beyond control and called for a more rigorous and controlled study of the amount of coffee consumed to get better and more accurate results. They also said that diversity in the group studied should be included to validate findings.
A cup of coffee brings cheer to many and if it brings health benefits, then it is a cherry on top of the icing. Many coffee lovers do not consider health benefits when they reach for their cup of java. They often wish for reassurance that there are no carcinogens in their favorite brew.
