For many Americans, coffee is a daily ritual. While caffeine helps keep us alert, it can also lead to jitters and sleep disturbances. Interestingly, both regular and decaffeinated coffee may offer health benefits, thanks to the antioxidants and other compounds in coffee beans.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Recent studies have shifted the perspective on coffee consumption, revealing several surprising health benefits. Researchers have carefully considered factors like age, sex, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and family health history to better understand coffee’s impact on health. Notably, a large UK study in 2022 found that drinking more unsweetened or sugar-sweetened coffee may lower the risk of death from cancer and other causes over seven years.
Colorectal Cancer
Meta-analyses indicate that consuming four or more cups of coffee daily may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 11-24%.
Endometrial Cancer
Research from the Nurses’ Health Study showed that women who drank four or more cups of coffee a day were 25% less likely to develop endometrial cancer compared to those who drank just one cup.
Liver Cancer and Cirrhosis
Drinking one to two cups of coffee daily may lower the risk of liver cancer, while those who consume five or more cups have an even lower risk. A study in Japan found a 76% decrease in liver cancer risk among those drinking five cups daily.
Skin Cancer
Data from major studies show that men and women who consumed more than three cups of coffee monthly had a 17% lower risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. Additionally, drinking four or more cups daily was linked to a 20% lower risk of malignant melanoma.
Type 2 Diabetes
In Finland, studies revealed that men drinking ten or more cups daily had a 55% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, while women had a 79% lower risk.
Parkinson’s Disease
A study of Japanese-American men indicated that those who consumed four and a half cups or more daily were significantly less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
Suicide Prevention
Research shows that each additional cup of coffee consumed daily could reduce the risk of suicide by 13%.
Brain Power and Aging
Coffee consumption may slow cognitive decline in older men, and studies on mice suggest caffeine could improve memory and processing speed.
Potential Risks of Coffee
While coffee has many benefits, it’s essential to consider potential risks. Some studies indicate that consuming two to three cups of coffee may reduce fertility and increase the risk of low birth-weight babies. Additionally, older women drinking more than four cups daily may experience a higher rate of hip fractures.
Heart Disease
Two meta-analyses showed that drinking five or more cups of coffee per day could increase the risk of heart disease by 40-60%, although moderate consumption (three to four cups) seems safer.
Bottom Line
For most people, coffee provides more health benefits than risks. Drinking coffee can lower the risk of various diseases, and even one cup a day can be beneficial. However, women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, as well as those over 65, should limit their intake due to potential risks.
While studies highlight coffee’s positive effects, the exact reasons behind these benefits are still unclear. Until more research is available, coffee lovers can enjoy their daily brew with confidence. However, it’s important to note that most studies focus on adults, and the effects on children and teens may differ.
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