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Liver cancer is a common disease, and there are many reasons for its development. Some of the risk factors can be mitigated. And although the exact mechanism is unclear, scientists are sure: just one cup of this popular hot drink a day will reduce the risk of liver cancer by 20%.
People who drink coffee in any amount have a 40% lower risk of developing liver cancer compared to those who don't drink it at all, the study showed.
In the past, various research groups have looked at this question and come to conflicting conclusions about what amount of this drink will provide the greatest benefit.
The results of numerous works have shown that the more coffee, the stronger the effect (approximately two to three cups a day).
Scientists also noted the possibility of inverse dependence. And people with liver disease, such as cancer, may need to cut back on coffee.
The exact mechanism of action is unclear, but the fact that a larger volume of the drink produces a stronger effect supports the assumption that coffee has some kind of protective effect.
The researchers stratified the data according to the amount of coffee consumed each day, when possible.
Drinking one cup a day was associated with a 20% lower risk.
Coffee is thought to contain antioxidants that can fight inflammation.
Inflammation in the liver, in turn, is one of the widespread symptoms that increase the risk of developing cancer.
The shortcoming of this study is that it does not take into account different types of liver cancer.
One of the most common risk factors for liver cancer worldwide is hepatitis, a viral infection that causes inflammation in the organ.
In the future, we can study the connection between coffee and specific types of liver cancer, so we will better understand the mechanism of action.
Other risk factors can be mitigated, which will reduce the risk.
Diseases that interfere with the functioning of the liver, such as cirrhosis or steatosis, can increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
In addition, diseases related to metabolism, such as type 2 diabetes, can also increase this risk.
They, in turn, depend on a person's behavior: alcohol consumption, smoking and excess weight.
Residents of Northern European countries consume the most coffee.
On average, a Finnish resident drinks four cups of coffee a day, and employers in this country are required to provide two ten-minute coffee breaks.
As a result, a person consumes a total of 12 kilograms of coffee per year.
In the UK, the average person consumes a pitiful 2,8 kilograms of coffee per year.
