It seems coffee gives us more than simply a spring in our step. New research shows it may reduce our risk of liver cancer.
Data examined by researchers of the University of Southampton and the University of Edinburgh showed that people who indulged in that bit more coffee were less likely to develop hepatocellular cancer (HCC)—one of the more common types of liver cancer.
The large study—involving 2.25 million participants—showed a 35 percent risk reduction in those who consumed two cups of coffee, while the risk was cut in half for those who managed to fit in five. Those who drank one cup lowered their risk by 20 percent.
For the few of us worried about potentially being kept awake all night—the study did find that decaffeinated coffee shows a positive effect also.
Dr. Oliver Kennedy, lead author of the study said,
“We’re not suggesting that everyone should start drinking five cups of coffee a day though. There needs to be more investigation into the potential harms of high coffee-caffeine intakeand there is evidence it should be avoided in certain groups such as pregnant women.”
