An observational study involving more than 10,000 older adults linked preparing meals at home with a lower risk of dementia, especially among those with limited cooking skills.
Coffee supports liver health and improves mood with its effects on gut microbiota
Coffee supports liver health and improves mood through its effects on the gut microbiota.
Drinking coffee, including decaffeinated coffee, has been associated with a lower risk of liver disease and liver-related mortality. These are the findings of a study conducted by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and published in the scientific journal Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
Researchers followed more than 350,000 people for 13 years. At the start of the study, none of the participants had liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Coffee consumption and drinking habits—including the type of coffee consumed and the use of sugar or sweeteners—were recorded through questionnaires. Participants also underwent blood tests and MRI scans.
Coffee reduces the risk of liver disease, the study finds
Among those who drank five or more cups of coffee per day, researchers observed: a 32 per cent reduction in the risk of developing liver cirrhosis, a 47 per cent reduction in the risk of liver cancer, a 42 per cent reduction in liver disease-related mortality. Coffee consumption was also associated with physical indicators of better liver health, including less fat accumulation in the liver (steatosis), lower liver iron levels, and reduced fibroinflammation.
Researchers suggest these benefits may result from higher levels of proteins involved in liver function and immune system regulation, together with lower levels of markers associated with liver scarring and chronic inflammation.
Similar results for regular and decaffeinated coffee
The benefits were almost identical for regular and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that the protective effect is due to other compounds naturally present in coffee—such as antioxidants—rather than caffeine itself. Adding sugar or artificial sweeteners did not eliminate the benefits, but slightly reduced the positive effects on inflammation.
“Our findings support moderate coffee consumption among people who already enjoy it and tolerate it well,” said Ju Dong Yang, one of the study’s authors. This does not mean people should start drinking coffee solely to protect their liver. However, it suggests that unsweetened coffee, even in moderate amounts—such as three cups a day, while taking into account any cardiovascular sensitivities and as part of a balanced diet—may represent a simple and effective strategy for slowing the progression of liver disease.
Coffee and the gut–brain axis
For regular coffee drinkers, the benefits may also extend to mood, anxiety and stress management. A separate study conducted by University College Cork and the University of Parma, published in Nature Communications, investigated how coffee influences the gut microbiota–brain axis, seeking to distinguish the effects of caffeine from those of other compounds naturally present in coffee beans. The study involved 31 regular coffee drinkers (three to five cups per day) and 31 non-coffee drinkers. Researchers analysed psychological assessments, food diaries, caffeine intake, and stool and urine samples.
The findings showed that coffee consumption significantly improved mood, regardless of whether the coffee contained caffeine. Coffee drinkers also had a richer gut microbiota, particularly bacteria associated with positive emotions in women.
Significant improvements in learning and memory were observed only among people drinking decaffeinated coffee, suggesting that compounds other than caffeine—such as polyphenols—may be responsible for these cognitive benefits. However, only caffeinated coffee was associated with lower anxiety, as well as improved alertness and attention. Caffeine was also linked to a reduced risk of inflammation. The researchers conclude that coffee is a complex dietary factor that interacts with the gut microbiota, metabolism and even emotional well-being. Whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, coffee may influence health in different but complementary ways.
Siamo anche su WhatsApp. Segui il canale ufficiale LifeGate per restare aggiornata, aggiornato sulle ultime notizie e sulle nostre attività.
Quest'opera è distribuita con Licenza Creative Commons Attribuzione - Non commerciale - Non opere derivate 4.0 Internazionale.
An innovative Spanish study has found a link between the pesticide picloram and the onset of colorectal cancer among people under 50.
Immunologist Attilio Speciani explained his views on the new US food pyramid, offering an analysis of the guidelines and the influence of lobbying.
By calling for the introduction of mirror measures, Slow Food highlights the need for imported foods such as corn and wheat to comply with the same standards required of products grown within the European Union.
Sponsored article
Record temperatures and border checks: how climate and migration policies are reshaping sport.
A test by Altroconsumo found that plant-based burgers often contain high levels of additives and salt, making them ultra-processed foods.
A study conducted in India found that replacing chemical fertilisers with organic ones allows vegetables to regain the nutrients lost over decades of intensive agriculture.
Italy’s Health Ministry has temporarily authorised the use of Dormex in kiwi plantations in southern Italy. The substance has been banned in the country since 2008 due to its toxicity
Europe’s organic market reached a record €59 billion in 2024. Italy leads in organic farmland share and number of producers, says FiBL report.