In the past decade, research in the United States, Japan and Italy indicates that consumption of coffee has a strong protective effect against cirrhosis of the liver.

These studies show that drinking 3 t o4 cups of coffee a day was associated with an 80% reduction in risk for cirrhosis of the liver, compared with those who don't drink coffee at all.  Cirrhosis is a chronic disease which damages the liver's tissue.  Excessive alcohol use is the leading cause of cirrhosis, which is the 9th leading cause of death in the United States.

• A long-term study by the Harvard School of Public Health has found that coffee consumption reduces  the risk of developing  type 2 diabetes.