26 Sep 2025 : In India and around the world, most people start their day with tea or coffee. Often, the first thing they reach for after waking up is a cup of tea or coffee. Tea and coffee contain caffeine, a natural stimulant that helps reduce drowsiness and fatigue. Drinking tea or coffee in the morning reduces tiredness after waking up, keeps the brain more alert and active, improves concentration and mood, and provides energy to the body.
Coffee is not just a morning habit; it is one of the few beverages proven to be beneficial for the liver. Several large studies have found that regular coffee consumption reduces liver-related problems, and if you already have a liver disease, it may slow its progression.
Drinking 3–4 cups of coffee daily helps reduce fat accumulation in liver cells, lowering the risk of fatty liver disease. Regular coffee consumption protects liver cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. It also slows down the progression of liver fibrosis, reducing the risk of cirrhosis. In addition, drinking coffee daily may slow the advancement of liver disease and reduce the risk of liver cancer. Coffee is also linked to lowering the risk of death from liver-related conditions.
So the question arises: what is it in coffee that helps keep the liver healthy?
Let’s see how drinking one cup of coffee a day can improve liver health.
How does coffee improve liver health?
According to an article published in Verywell Health by Sarah Jividen, a registered nurse working in neurotrauma, stroke, and emergency care, coffee contains natural compounds like caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and diterpenes, which are effective in treating fatty liver disease. Research shows that coffee consumption reduces the risk of existing fatty liver disease by 35%.
Studies also show that coffee drinkers have a 49% lower risk of cirrhosis and death from chronic liver disease. They also have a significantly lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. A 2023 research analysis found that coffee consumption further reduces the risk of developing liver cancer.
For maintaining a healthy liver and overall body health, 3–4 cups of coffee daily are considered sufficient. For healthy adults, a daily intake of up to 400 mg of caffeine is considered safe. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, women should limit their intake to about 200 mg of caffeine, or roughly one cup of coffee per day.
Summary:
Research suggests that drinking one cup of coffee daily may benefit liver health by lowering risks of liver disease and improving overall function, thanks to its antioxidant properties.