Drinking coffee? Experts discovered what happens to a critical organ in the body
It wakes you up in the morning, but a new and comprehensive study reveals that your favorite cup does much more than you thought - and specifically for one particularly important organ. And the big surprise: it also works in the decaf version.
We all know the routine scenario: you wake up in the morning, approach the coffee machine, and let the first sip bring you back to life. But who would have believed that this daily habit might also be related to the health of one of the most important organs in the body — the liver? A new study, one of the most comprehensive conducted in the field, examined in depth the link between coffee consumption and liver health and found significant results.
13-year follow-up: The notable numbers
A team of researchers from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles analyzed data from 354,957 participants from the large UK Biobank database. The subjects, who had no liver problems at the start, were followed for a median period of about 13 years. What makes this study exceptional is that the researchers did not settle for nutrition questionnaires alone, but also incorporated MRI scans of the liver alongside blood protein analysis.
The results showed that compared to people who did not drink coffee at all, those who drank five cups a day or more showed a 32% reduction in the risk of liver cirrhosis, a 47% reduction in the risk of liver cancer, and a 42% reduction in the risk of death related to liver diseases. Furthermore, the MRI scans revealed lower levels of fat, iron, scarring, and inflammation in the liver among coffee drinkers.
The big surprise: What happens with decaf?
If you thought the effect was related to caffeine alone — think again. One of the most intriguing findings in the study is that the link to liver health appeared to a similar extent among decaf coffee drinkers as well. This means that caffeine is likely not the only ingredient that may explain the link, and that it is possible that other natural components in coffee beans also play a role. Researchers are now seeking to examine which specific compounds may be responsible for the effect.
Should you rush to drink five cups a day?
Despite the impressive data, the researchers set clear boundaries. First of all, this is an observational study that points to a strong and significant statistical link, but it does not prove absolutely that coffee alone is what produces the protection.
Secondly, although the group of five-cups-a-day-and-more drinkers showed the most prominent results, the researchers note that significant benefit began to appear already at one or two cups a day, and was particularly strong around three to four cups. There is no need to force yourself to drink large quantities if you are not used to it.
Beyond that, coffee may be part of a healthy lifestyle, but it is not a substitute for maintaining a healthy weight, physical activity, proper nutrition, and limiting alcohol consumption. Additionally, if you suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure, arrhythmias, severe anxiety, or sleep problems — it is worth consulting a doctor before making a significant change in coffee drinking habits.
Bottom line: If you already enjoy your coffee and react well to it, the new study provides another reason to look at this daily habit in a positive light — while maintaining moderate consumption and in accordance with personal health status.
The full findings were published in July 2026 in the scientific journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
