Study shows coffee may be good for your health

For decades, coffee has been blamed for its caffeine content but recent studies have shown that drinking coffee may help in lowering the risk cardiovascular diseases and also diabetes. Also, a latest study published in the journal Hepatology states that apart from caffeine, certain chemical compounds in coffee may help protect your liver too.

It was found by Researchers from the National Cancer Institute in the United States that higher consumption of coffee resulted in lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes. “Prior research found that drinking coffee may have a possible protective effect on the liver. However, the evidence was not clear if that benefit may extend to decaffeinated coffee,” said lead researcher Dr Qian Xiao from the National Cancer Institute.

To prove their point, researchers conducted a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2010) which included aeound 27,793 participants around the age group of 20 years and above. The participants were asked to drink coffee over a period of 24-hours after which they were tested for blood levels of different markers that determine their liver functions, including aminotransferase (ALT), aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transaminase (GGT).

Thus it was concluded from the survey that those who consumed three or more cups of coffee per day had lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP and GGT over those who did not consume coffee at all or those who consumed only decaffeinated coffee.

Dr Xiao said, “Our findings link regular and decaffeinated coffee intake to lower liver enzyme levels. These data suggest that ingredients in coffee, other than caffeine, may promote liver
health”. However, Dr Xiao and his team are of the view that more extensive research is needed to be able to identify these components.

Source: NDTV