Both coffee and green tea have been shown to have positive effects on liver health, including promoting recovery from liver injury, however, research indicates that coffee may have a more significant impact.
Several studies have examined the benefits of coffee and green tea on liver health. Here are the key findings on how each drink influences liver function.
How coffee benefits liver health
A 2022 study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal found that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of liver disease, including liver stiffness, cirrhosis, and complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer).
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A cup of coffee. Illustration photo by Pexels |
Additionally, a 2021 study in BMC Public Health suggested that all types of coffee–whether decaffeinated, instant, or ground–are linked to lower risks of chronic liver disease and its complications. Among these, ground coffee was found to have the most significant effect. The study concluded that three to four cups of coffee daily offer the maximal protective benefits, likely due to the presence of multiple active compounds.
Coffee consumption is also associated with lower liver stiffness. Regular, long-term coffee intake has been shown to have a protective effect on liver enzyme levels in individuals with liver disease, as well as those without, including people with chronic alcohol consumption, according to Medical News Today.
How green tea benefits liver health
A study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine found that, similar to coffee, green tea consumption is linked to a reduced risk of liver cirrhosis and chronic liver disease. However, no significant impact on liver stiffness was found in the research.
In conclusion, both coffee and green tea offer health benefits for the liver, but coffee appears to provide more comprehensive protection.
