Last Updated:July 02, 2025, 10:55 IST
A Norwegian study from 2015 revealed that people who drank two or more cups a day had a 40% lower risk of death from liver cirrhosis
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you sleepy, and instead releases mood-lifting chemicals like dopamine and serotonin
Love starting your day with a steaming cup of coffee but worried it might be harming your health? You’re not alone. But new research, including a major study from Tufts University, is flipping the narrative. It suggests that drinking coffee in moderation could actually help you live longer. Liver expert Dr. S.K. Sarin helps us separate fact from froth.
Can coffee really reduce mortality risk?
According to Dr. Sarin, yes — and the evidence is strong. “Coffee’s effects on health have been studied intensively for over two decades,” he says. The Tufts University study, presented at the annual American Society for Nutrition meeting, tracked over 46,000 people for 10 years. Results showed that those who consumed 1–2 cups of coffee daily had a 14% lower risk of dying from cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Backing this up, a massive UK Biobank study with over 1.89 lakh participants found that drinking more than two cups of unsweetened coffee each day was associated with an 11–16% reduction in new cancers and cancer-related deaths.
How does coffee benefit liver health?
“Coffee has been shown to lower liver fat and reduce inflammation,” says Dr. Sarin. A Norwegian study from 2015 revealed that people who drank two or more cups a day had a 40% lower risk of death from liver cirrhosis. According to him, coffee can almost act like a therapeutic agent for metabolic liver conditions — but with a crucial caveat. “It’s not a remedy for unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol, or junk food,” he warns.
What about overall wellness?
Beyond liver health, coffee has a wide-ranging impact on metabolic syndrome — the cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. “Coffee positively alters gut microbiota, has anti-inflammatory properties, and even contains compounds that combat cancer,” Dr. Sarin explains.
It’s also a natural energy booster. Moderate coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of stroke and dementia. A meta-analysis involving 3.5 lakh people showed that each additional cup of coffee reduces the risk of depression by 8%.
Isn’t caffeine harmful in excess?
That’s true — and moderation is key. Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia, and elevated heart rate. But in controlled doses, caffeine delivers impressive health perks. “It has antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and anti-lipid effects,” says Dr. Sarin.
Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes you sleepy, and instead releases mood-lifting chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. Coffee is packed with nearly 1,000 bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acids, kahweol, and cafestol — all of which have various protective effects on the body.
What about decaf?
While decaf has less caffeine, it still retains beneficial compounds like chlorogenic acid, which lowers glucose absorption and enhances insulin sensitivity. “Coffee also increases adiponectin levels — a hormone that boosts fat metabolism,” explains Dr. Sarin. Kahweol and cafestol, although found in lesser amounts in decaf, are potent antioxidants that protect tissues from damage.
Does milk and sugar cancel out the benefits?
“In moderation, a little milk can actually reduce acidity,” says Dr. Sarin. But it’s a trade-off. Milk reduces the absorption of chlorogenic acid — a major anti-inflammatory component of coffee — and may not suit those with lactose intolerance. Add sugar, and you’re also adding unnecessary calories.
“For maximum health benefits, go for drip coffee or plain black coffee,” he advises. “Remember, coffee isn’t a miracle drug — it’s a beverage. Like any powerful substance, it should be consumed mindfully, at the right time and in the right amount.”
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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