IF you have been searching for a reason to drink that second – or third – cup of joe, here it is; researchers have discovered that two or more cups of coffee a day can protect against liver disease.
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Researchers from Monash University found two cups of coffee a day could reduce the damage caused by hepatitis C by up to 13 per cent, while four cups could reduce the signs of fatty liver disease.
The study focused on a group of 1100 liver disease patients at the Monash Health Clinic, and showed that coffee helped even when other risk factors such as weight and smoking were considered.
Tea was not found to have the same effect.
Launceston barista and new co-owner of Amelia’s Espresso Jack McNiff said the results were not a surprise.
‘‘I think people are pretty switched on about the benefits of coffee,’’ he said.
‘‘A lot of people think that caffeine can be bad – too much of it obviously is not good – but I think the study shows two a day is probably a perfect amount.’’
Although he warned everything should be taken in moderation, Mr McNiff said it was important to remember that coffee came from a fruit.
‘‘It picks you up, and I honestly do think it heightens your senses. It’s caffeine, for a start, and it’s delicious,’’ he said.
‘‘If anyone hasn’t tried it they definitely should, that’s for sure.’’
