The concept of black coffee being a health-enhancing beverage has been around for years; however, when it comes to fatty liver disease, does black coffee really offer benefits or just create hype in a cup? We’ll discuss this in an unbiased way to understand the advantages and disadvantages of drinking coffee, while also exploring lifestyle approaches such as Yoga for Fitness that support overall liver health.
Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee
There has been evidence to suggest that black coffee can promote liver health because it has been proven to assist in reducing liver fat and, therefore, can lower the risk of inflammation. The antioxidant chlorogenic acid contained in black coffee is thought to be one of the key components for fighting the free radicals, which are considered to be a major cause of liver disease.
A study found the average ALT and AST levels of coffee drinkers to be lower than those of non-coffee drinkers; this is viewed as a positive indicator of definitive liver health.
Drinking Coffee & Liver Health
The consumption of black coffee is thought to help increase insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing the amount of fat stored in the liver. The liver is also said to undergo further detoxification when the body beverages consume black coffee, while black coffee consumption can impede the progression of liver fibrosis.
The Proper Way to Drink Coffee
In order to reap the benefits of drinking coffee and to continue the path to good health, it would be best if one drank coffee without added sugars, milk, or flavoured syrups. The calories added from sugars and cream negate the benefits of coffee and could potentially be detrimental in the treatment of a fatty liver.
Adverse Reactions to Watch For
Although black coffee has many beneficial health properties, excessive consumption may develop into unwanted side effects. Some common side effects associated with excessive consumption of black coffee include: gastric upset, anxiety and insomnia, and increased heart rate, among others. Many individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset from drinking too much black coffee or higher-than-normal blood pressure levels due to its caffeinated properties. Finding the right balance of coffee is important; too much does not mean better.
Individuals Who Should Exercise Caution
Individuals who suffer from any form of gastric disease, have insomnia, and are sensitive to caffeine should limit their coffee consumption. Women who are pregnant and take certain medications should seek medical advice prior to increasing their coffee consumption.
How Much Black Coffee is Considered Safe?
Experts generally agree that 2 – 3 cups of black coffee daily can provide individuals with significant health benefits for the liver.
