Ditch those sugars and creamers! AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist shares 8 health benefits of drinking black coffee

Published on: Nov 13, 2025, 11:15:50 IST

By Eshana Saha

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Black coffee has numerous health benefits. (Pexel)

Skip the sugary flavours and creamers in your coffee and switch to black coffee - your liver will thank you! Dr Sethi explains 8 benefits of black coffee.

Thinking of reaching for your daily cup of coffee? Skip the sugars, flavours, and creamers - because plain black coffee isn’t just a morning pick-me-up. It offers a host of health benefits, protecting your liver, supporting heart and brain health, and even boosting mood and focus.

Also Read | Drinking coffee on empty stomach? AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist shares 7 coffee mistakes wrecking your gut and liver

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, breaks down eight ways black coffee can keep your body - and your liver - in top shape. In an Instagram post shared on November 13, the gastroenterologist explains how black coffee can help protect the liver, lower the risk of liver cancer, and also support heart health and enhance mood.

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

Protects your liver

According to Dr Sethi, drinking black coffee offers significant benefits for the liver and helps protect against liver disease. He explains, “Linked with a lower risk of fatty liver, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.”

Lowers liver cancer risk

Dr Sethi states that multiple global studies prove that black coffee reduces the risk of liver cancer. He notes, “Large studies worldwide show reduced hepatocellular carcinoma risk.”

Brain protection

The gastroenterologist explains that regular black coffee intake is linked to reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Supports blood sugar control

Plain black coffee is known to improve insulin sensitivity, hence reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, as per Dr Sethi.

Black coffee is packed with health benefits! (Image generated via ChatGPT)

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties

Black coffee is rich in a powerful antioxidant called polyphenols, which help fight inflammation. Dr Sethi states, “Polyphenols reduce oxidative stress and may calm inflammation.”

Improves heart health

Black coffee intake can also reduce the risk of heart disease. According to the gastroenterologist, “Moderate coffee intake is linked with a lower risk of heart failure and stroke.”

Boosts mood and focus

The gastroenterologist notes that the benefits of black coffee on alertness, energy, and concentration are well established.

Linked with longevity

According to Dr Sethi, drinking two to four cups of black coffee daily has been linked to lower all-cause mortality in several studies.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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