Like many folks, it’s hard for me to resist the urge of reaching for a freshly brewed cup of joe to start my mornings. Luckily, research seems to suggest to us coffee lovers that there’s nothing wrong with consuming our beloved elixir each day in moderation (about 3-5 cups a day at max). In addition to providing a jolt of energy, coffee may even tout some of the following health benefits.
Regarding cancer
In 1991, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified coffee to Group 2B aka (‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’). They have since revised this in 2016 to reclassify coffee to Group B: ‘Not classifiable as to carcinogenicity’. Meaning, after 1000 studies, the IARC have come to the conclusion that there is no direct correlation between coffee intake and cancer mortality. In fact, coffee may even help to reduce the risk of cancers of the liver and uterine endometrium.
Decreased risk of type 2 diabetes
A study led by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that those who decreased their coffee consumption by more than a cup per day increased their type 2 diabetes risk by 17%. Their findings confirmed those of previous studies that showed that higher coffee consumption was associated with lower type 2 diabetes risk.
This is due to the fact coffee consumption increases plasma levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) – responsible for regulating the biological activity of testosterone and estrogen (these hormones play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes).
Heart health
In a study of 130,000 Kaiser Permanent members, those who reported drinking a moderate consumption of coffee were less likely to be hospitalized for abnormal heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias) than those who didn’t.
Other studies have been undertaken to investigate caffeine and its impact on Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.
