Neurosurgeon Explains Why Drinking Black Coffee Can Boost Health, Reduce Inflammation and Support Liver Function

New Delhi, December 13, 2025: Drinking coffee is a daily ritual for millions, but the way it is consumed could make a significant difference to its health benefits. Dr Prashant Katakol, a neurosurgeon with over 33 years of experience in neuroscience and a graduate of NIMHANS, has emphasised the advantages of drinking black coffee rather than coffee with milk and sugar. In a recent Instagram video, Dr Katakol explained why switching to black coffee can support long-term health, particularly liver function, and reduce inflammation. According to Dr Katakol, the common habit of adding sugar and milk to coffee diminishes its natural benefits. “Most people ruin the benefits of coffee before the first sip. It happens because we don’t drink it black. Three decades in medicine have taught me that small daily habits can pave the way for a healthier future,” he said. The neurosurgeon explained that black coffee contains more than 1,000 bioactive compounds, many of which play a role in supporting liver health and fighting inflammation. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that consuming 2-3 cups of black coffee daily can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of liver conditions, including fatty liver and fibrosis. Dr Katakol highlighted that the preparation of coffee is crucial, and any addition of milk or sugar nullifies much of its beneficial effects. Black coffee, without additives, allows the body to fully benefit from its natural compounds. For those who are used to sweetened coffee, Dr Katakol recommends a gradual transition. He suggests starting with one cup of black coffee daily, initially in smaller servings. “It may taste strong at first, but your palate and body will adjust over time. Slowly, you will get accustomed to it,” he said. The small change can lead to significant long-term benefits, including improved liver function and reduced systemic inflammation. Dr Katakol emphasises that these insights are drawn from decades of medical experience, illustrating how daily habits, even small ones like how we drink coffee, can influence overall wellness. While coffee alone is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, switching to black coffee is a simple adjustment that can make a meaningful impact over time. He also advises readers that the information shared is for educational purposes and not a replacement for professional medical guidance. Individuals should consult their doctors regarding specific health concerns before making significant changes to their diet. By adopting black coffee as a daily habit, individuals can enjoy both the rich taste and the health benefits that the beverage naturally offers, making it a small but powerful step toward long-term wellness. Neurosurgeon Explains Why Drinking Black Coffee Can Boost Health, Reduce Inflammation and Support Liver Function Coffee lovers, here’s a health tip from Dr Prashant Katakol, a neurosurgeon with 33 years of experience in neuroscience: switch to black coffee. According to Dr Katakol, adding milk and sugar to your coffee may actually cancel out many of its natural health benefits. In a recent Instagram video, he shared that black coffee contains over 1,000 bioactive compounds that support liver health and reduce inflammation. Dr Katakol explained that people often spoil the benefits before they even take a sip because they don’t drink it black. Daily habits like this, he says, can have a big impact on long-term health. Drinking 2-3 cups of black coffee regularly can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of liver issues like fatty liver and fibrosis. The key, he emphasizes, is to enjoy coffee in its pure form. For those used to sweetened coffee, transitioning to black coffee doesn’t have to be hard. Start with one cup a day, in smaller servings if needed. The taste may feel strong at first, but your palate will adjust over time. Slowly replacing your usual coffee with black coffee allows your body to gain its full benefits, from better liver function to reduced inflammation. Dr Katakol stresses that while coffee alone isn’t a magic solution, small changes in daily habits can make a meaningful difference in overall wellness. He also notes that this guidance is informational and not a substitute for medical advice, so it’s always best to consult your doctor for personalized recommendations. Switching to black coffee is a simple tweak, but it can have long-lasting effects. A cup of black coffee a day might just be the easy, delicious step toward better health you’ve been looking for.