October 24/Milan, Italy/Parent Herald -- A new study has now given coffee lovers another reason to love their beverage. The research suggests that drinking coffee can reduce the chances of liver cancer by 50%. Three cups of the caffeinated drink can help keep the deadly disease at bay.

The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 16 studies published between 1996 through September 2012 and examined 3,153 cases. This study published in the journal American Gastroenterological Association found that the most common type of cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is reduced by about 40%, after daily consumption of coffee.

"Our research confirms past claims that coffee is good for your health, and particularly the liver," said study author Carlo La Vecchia.

"The favorable effect of coffee on liver cancer might be mediated by coffee's proven prevention of diabetes, a known risk factor for the disease, or for its beneficial effects on cirrhosis and liver enzymes," said Dr La Vecchia from the department of epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, and department of clinical sciences and community health, Universita degli Studi di Milan, Italy.

Liver cancer is the third common reason for deaths worldwide and sixth most common cancer. HCC is the main type of liver cancer. It accounts for over 90% of cases worldwide.

La Vecchia stated, "It remains unclear whether coffee drinking has an additional role in liver cancer prevention. But, in any case, such a role would be limited as compared to what is achievable through the current measures."

Various other advantages of coffee consumption have been found of late. A recent study claimed that drinking coffee regularly reduces suicide risk by 50% in adults.