Over the past several weeks Natural News ran a series of reports detailing the method in which a little known, naturally occurring molecule called NTX protects the liver from alcohol-related damage, as well as the adverse effects of combining alcohol with acetaminophen (a pain reliever such as Tylenol), which kills somewhere around 1,000 people each year.

While the NTX molecule appears to be highly effective at combating liver damage (studies show it reduced harmful effects on the liver by up to 93 percent), it may not be the only answer. A new study published last month in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics suggests that coffee may reduce the risk of cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis, a late stage scarring of the liver that occurs as a result of liver damage, claims more than one million lives worldwide each year. Causes include immune disorders, hepatitis infections, chronic alcohol abuse and fatty liver disease, which is linked to obesity and diabetes.

However, drinking one or more cups of coffee per day may reduce your risk of developing cirrhosis, according to researchers who reviewed data from nine previously published studies involving 430,000 participants.

Drinking two cups of coffee per day may lower risk of developing cirrhosis by 44 percent

“Cirrhosis is potentially fatal and there is no cure as such,” said lead study author Dr. Oliver Kennedy of Southampton University in the U.K.. “Therefore, it is significant that the risk of developing cirrhosis may be reduced by consumption of coffee, a cheap, ubiquitous and well-tolerated beverage,” he told Business Insider via email.

According to the study, drinking two cups of coffee per day may lower the risk of developing cirrhosis by 44 percent.

“Kennedy and colleagues did a pooled analysis of average coffee consumption across earlier studies to see how much adding two additional cups each day might influence the odds of liver disease… In eight of the nine studies analyzed, increasing coffee consumption by two cups a day was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of cirrhosis.”

All but one study illustrated a correlation between increased coffee consumption and a reduction in liver damage.

Filtered coffee vs boiled coffee

“Compared to no coffee consumption, researchers estimated one cup a day was tied to a 22% lower risk of cirrhosis. With two cups, the risk dropped by 43%, while it declined 57% for three cups and 65% with four cups,” Business Insider reports.

However, the authors are still left with some unresolved questions. One of the studies found that filtered coffee lowers the risk for cirrhosis more so than boiled coffee. Also, while researchers took into account alcohol consumption, they did not check for other risk factors such as obesity and diabetes.

“Coffee is a complex mixture containing hundreds of chemical compounds, and it is unknown which of these is responsible for protecting the liver,” said Kennedy.

Gag order on health claims for alcoholic drinks

Coffee’s potential ability to protect the liver is excellent news as it’s easily accessible for most. But the same cannot be said for NTX. Though the molecule is infused with Bellion Vodka (sold in retail stores around the country), producers are prevented from disclosing the molecule’s protective benefits.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) – the agency responsible for regulating marketing claims on alcoholic beverages, among other things – prohibits the labeling of health claims. TTB’s label restrictions forces Bellion Vodka to using vague language such as “a smarter way to drink,” instead of “this will protect your liver!”

Created by Chigurupati Technologies, NTX’s key components include licorice root and a sugar alcohol called mannitol. Together, they shield your liver from the harmful effects of drinking alcohol, without compromising a beverage’s taste.

NTX can be infused into several types of alcohol, but is currently designed to “evolve distilled spirits.” Plans to include the molecule in beer, wine and other liquors may likely be stalled due to government restrictions.

However, Bellion Vodka is believed to have filed a lawsuit fighting for labeling rights. When we reached out to TTB for details, Tom Hogue, who handles congressional and media inquires, said he was unable to comment due to the matter being currently under investigation.

Whatever the outcome, stay tuned and keep checking in with us for updates as our reporters continue following this story.

Sources:

BusinessInsider.com

OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com

NaturalNews.com

PharmaDeathClock.com

MayoClinic.org

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com