Are you a coffee lover who can’t resist it daily? Then, you should know whether it’s healthy or unhealthy for your liver
Is coffee your go-to morning ritual? You’re not alone! According to a survey, 60% of people enjoy coffee daily. The secret behind coffee’s popularity lies in caffeine, a stimulant that boosts alertness and reduces fatigue by directly affecting the brain.
Coffee is also rich in antioxidants, which can help combat inflammation by neutrailizing free radicals that can damage cells. Excess free radicals are linked to premature aging and various diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Also, coffee helps in digestion by accelerating the movement of food through the gastrointestinal system. This can explain why some people experience a bowel movement shortly after morning cup of coffee.
How Does Coffee Affect Your Liver?
The liver performs over 500 different functions. It converts proteins, carbohydrates, and fats from food into energy, produces essential proteins and chemicals for bodily functions, and is essential for breaking down medications and filtering waste from the blood. Given its numerous roles, maintaining liver health is vital. Fortunately, coffee can play a supportive role. While it’s well-known for providing an energy boost, coffee may also contribute to liver health.
There are several reasons that state that coffee is beneficial for liver health:
- Coffee contains antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid (CGA), which help the liver process glucose and prevent fat accumulation in the liver.
- Regular coffee consumption is linked to reduced inflammation in the body. Lower inflammation levels may protect against certain liver diseases.
- Coffee may stimulate autophagy, a process where damaged cell components are cleared away. This helps maintain their health and function more effectively.
So, coffee is beneficial for your liver. It is linked to reduced the risk of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Regular coffee consumption is associated with reduced levels of liver enzymes, which are often elevated in liver disease. Its positive effects are so significant that some dubbed coffee the “magical bean for liver health.”