Coffee is full of antioxidants, which are great for the liver. Maybe that’s why it was correlated with as much as a 50% reduction in liver cancer rates. Other possibilities? Coffee’s also known for preventing a known risk factor for liver cancer: diabetes.
Of course, the best way to prevent liver cancer is to stop the three causes from getting you: Hepatitis B (preventable through vaccine), Hepatitis C (click here for info on transmission, and remember to get tested—early treatment is key), and alcohol/cirrhosis. Another study found that coffee may even protect a liver that’s infected with Hepatitis C! And another concluded caffeine may prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
You have to be proactive about protecting your liver, and getting screened if you think you’re at risk (i.e., if you’ve never been vaccinated for Hep B, are a Baby Boomer, or have a history of heavy drinking).
Other things coffee may be good for? Preventing Alzheimer’s (and general memory for anyone), lowering your risk for Parkinson’s, decreasing skin cancer rates, and lowering risk of suicide.
Coffee may help a little, but there’s also a risk to your heart when you drink that much caffeine daily, as well as a risk for increased glaucoma. 3 Cups per day seems to be the amount offering protection, while 4 or more carries health risks. Personally, I try to avoid drinking caffeine daily so I can stay familiar with my ground state (mentally), and I can use the stimulating effects of coffee/tea when I do need them rather than having a tolerance.
How much coffee do you drink?
