Cirrhosis is a chronic disease of the liver, showing characteristic features of liver fibrosis and scarring, along with diminished functioning over time. A lot of research is being carried out to look out for prevention and treatment of cirrhosis. A recent breakthrough in these researches have come out demonstrating the beneficial role of consuming two or more than two cups of coffee for protecting the liver, especially in cirrhotic patients.

Cirrhosis and its pathophysiology

According to Dr. Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, certain factors such as indiscriminate use of alcohol, autoimmune conditions, viral hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can make the liver scarred with fibrotic lesions. “This chronic and progressive condition is known as liver cirrhosis, which can further end up the liver into cancer or failure too,” he says.

Coffee and liver health

The health benefits of coffee, he says, are owed to more than 1000 biologically active components in it, namely caffeine, chlorogenic acid, kahweol, cafestol etc. These compounds along with the antioxidant presence in coffee make this beverage liver friendly and protect it from damaging effects of cirrhosis, Dr. Vatsya says.

Reduction in incidence of liver cirrhosis

“There have been experimental studies representing a direct association between consuming coffee and protecting the liver from cirrhosis. If at least 2-3 cups of coffee are drunk in a day, it reduces the risk of developing cirrhosis by upto 44 percent. There is a decline in the mortality rate due to cirrhosis by upto 50 percent, too,” Dr. Vatsya shares.

Decline in fibrotic lesions

When the scar tissues build up excessively in the liver, “it progresses into liver fibrosis. But the presence of antioxidants namely chlorogenic acid in coffee helps to protect the liver from this damage by diminishing oxidative damage to the liver cells”, he explains.

Prevention from liver cancer

According to Dr. Vatsya, most cases of liver cirrhosis can progress into cancer too but regular consumption of 2-3 cups of coffee diminishes the incidence of cancer by 30-40 percent.

Liver protecting compounds in coffee

Coffee contains various anti-inflammatory compounds namely kahweol and cafestol that reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce liver inflammation. “Coffee has a prominent detoxifying role and stimulates the synthesis of enzymes responsible for detoxification purposes such as glutathione S-transferase,” he explains, adding that there is a high chance of enhancement of insulin sensitivity in the body post coffee consumption which does not let fat accumulate in the liver.

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is usually the consequence of insulin resistance in the body and it can even progress into cirrhosis.

Coffee consumption is highly recommended for those dealing with liver cirrhosis or preventing such chronic conditions of the liver. Having 2-3 cups per day is the ideal recommended amount and it should be paired with appropriate medical treatments.

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