Researchers in Bari, Italy, investigated how much coffee people drink and how different brewing methods affect the risk of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in a large group of people in Italy.
“Findings suggest that moderate coffee consumption, specifically Italian-style coffee, may offer potential benefits due to its unique chemical composition and preparation method,” they wrote in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.
“This type of coffee may provide specific protective effects on liver and metabolic health.”
Unfiltered coffee like espresso may offer greater health benefits
MASLD is a common liver condition that has been linked to metabolic problems like obesity, diabetes, and other heart-related risks. It happens when the liver stores too much fat after the body takes in or produces more fatty acids than it can break down. Insulin resistance plays a key role by increasing fat production in the liver, and as fat builds up, it can damage liver cells, cause inflammation, and lead to more serious conditions.
Coffee has already gained researchers’ interest as a possible aid as it contains active compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acids that may benefit health. Previous research suggested coffee may reduce liver scarring (fibrosis), and some studies also suggest that drinking more coffee may lower the risk of developing MASLD.
However, the coffee preparation method matters according to the researchers of the new study. They suggested that unfiltered coffee like espresso or French press may have stronger benefits than filtered coffee because it contains higher levels of beneficial compounds.
Why drinking more coffee may be good for your liver
Researchers analyzed data from 1,426 consenting adults who participated in a previous long-term research project tracking adults in southern Italy to understand how diet affects liver and metabolic health.
The study defined MASLD (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease) as liver fat combined with cardiometabolic risk factors such as high BMI, abnormal glucose, blood pressure or lipid levels, while also considering alcohol intake limits and excluding other liver diseases.
While initial results showed no significant benefits from coffee consumption between people with and without MASLD, accounting for age, weight, and lifestyle (eg. smoking) showed that higher coffee intake was linked to lower risk of MASLD.
Specifically, results showed that compared with fewer than one cup per day, drinking one cup reduced the odds by about 52%, two cups reduced the odds by about 53%, and three cups reduced the odds by about 55%
The researchers noted that chlorogenic acids (CGAs), the main phenolic compounds in coffee, likely acted as antioxidants, reducing inflammation, and lowering lipids, while diterpenes like cafestol and kahweol, can protect the liver through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anticancer effects.
They added that specifically Italian brewing methods such as espresso and moka may account for the unique biological effects observed, compared to other brewing techniques.
“The Italian brewing methods, especially espresso, allow higher retention of lipophilic compounds such as diterpenes and oils, as well as higher CGAs compared to filtered or instant preparations,” stated the researchers.
“Additionally, Arabica beans, commonly used in Italy, are richer in polyphenols and CGAs than Robusta, enhancing their antioxidant potential.
“These compositional characteristics may explain why the protective associations observed in this study are particularly evident for Italian-style coffee and not for other brewing techniques.”
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition; doi: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1797230 “Italian style coffee consumption and metabolically dysfunctional-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): a cohort population study in Southern Italy.” Authors: M. Siani, et al.