Is Drinking Coffee Every Day Good for the Liver? An IPB University Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition Lecturer Reveals the Facts
Coffee is often associated with various health benefits. However, is drinking coffee every day also good for liver health?
dr Widya Khairunnisa Sarkowi, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at IPB University, stated that for most adults, moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
“One of the most common misconceptions is that coffee can damage the liver. With moderate consumption, scientific evidence actually shows that coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of liver fibrosis.”
dr Widya revealed that several studies show that people who regularly consume coffee tend to have a lower risk of developing fibrosis or scarring of the liver, as well as cirrhosis. In fact, she noted, one study of patients with fatty liver disease found that coffee consumption was associated with a roughly 35 percent lower risk of fibrosis.
“Research by Bravi et al. also found that coffee consumption reduces the risk of liver disease, including liver cancer, although the existing findings still need to be confirmed through studies with larger sample sizes,” said dr Widya.
Safe Caffeine Limits
However, dr Widya noted that these benefits do not mean coffee can be consumed without limit. Caffeine intake of up to about 300–400 mg per day, equivalent to 2–3 cups of coffee Is generally tolerable for healthy adults.
“For most healthy adults, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) states that caffeine consumption of up to about 400 mg per day generally has no negative effects,” she explained.
She recommends limiting coffee or caffeine intake for people with certain conditions, such as heart palpitations, irregular heart rhythms, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, acid reflux, or GERD.
“For pregnant women, caffeine intake should not exceed 200 mg per day from all sources, including coffee, tea, and chocolate,” she added.
Be Mindful of Sugar and Creamer
In addition to caffeine intake, dr Widya emphasized that additives also need to be considered. Coffee with a lot of sugar, syrup, creamer, or high calorie milk can significantly increase sugar and calorie intake, thereby contributing to metabolic issues, including insulin resistance.
Therefore, she emphasized, the benefits of coffee cannot be separated from one’s overall lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy diet, a healthy weight, and regular physical activity are far more important for liver health.
“The main foundation of liver health remains maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced, nutritious diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and managing diabetes, cholesterol, and other metabolic conditions,” she said.
She added that a weight loss of about 5–10 percent in overweight individuals can have a positive impact on the liver.
Coffee Is Not a Detox Drink
dr Widya also clarified the misconception that coffee functions as a detox drink or liver cleanser. While the liver does have a natural system for processing and eliminating various substances from the body, coffee is not a detox drink and cannot be considered a treatment for liver disease.
Thus, moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle for most adults. However, coffee is not a substitute for a healthy diet, physical activity, weight management, or the treatment of metabolic diseases, all of which are important factors in maintaining liver health. (dh) (IAAS/EPK)
