Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and the third most common cause of cancer death. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type and responsible for more than 90% of most cases.

It appears from a comprehensive meta-analysis on PubMed/MEDLINE articles that drinking coffee could reduce the risk of HCC by nearly 40%. The research was conducted at the Department of Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, and by the Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Universita degli Studi di Milan, Italy. The analysis also suggests that drinking 3 cups of coffee a day could reduce the risk of liver cancer by over 50%. The researchers conjectured that one issue patients with liver disease might reduce their coffee consumption. Coffee is believed to alter liver enzymes and reduce the formation of cirrhosis.

A note of caution always has to be expressed with any such study because further research is always needed to back up such claims. However, there is no shortage of clinical research being conducted on coffee or green coffee extracts for that matter so the intention is to continue monitoring those studies which examine coffee benefits.

Reference

Bravi, F., Bosetti, C., Tavani, A., Gallus, S., La Vecchia, C. (2013) Coffee Reduces Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Updated Meta-analysis. Clin. Gastroent., Hepatol. 11(11) pp. 1413-1421