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Coffee could help protect against colon cancer
Good news for coffee aficionados. Drinking three or more cups of the aromatic brew every day has been found to dramatically reduce your risk of developing colon cancer, according to a Japanese study published in the International Journal of Cancer
The researchers looked at the coffee-drinking habits of over 96,000 men and women, aged between 20 and 69 years old, for a 12-year period. Female coffee drinkers halved their chance of developing the cancer, one of the most common cancers in the UK. It didn't matter whether the coffee they preferred was instant or fresh, and decaffeinated coffee seemed to have the same effect as the caffeinated kind. This could be because all types contain methylpyridinium, which is a potent antioxidant.
The study did not find the same benefits in men, however, although this might not be significant. Almost all Japanese males drink alcohol and a large number are heavy smokers, so the study was unable to adjust for these factors.
Bowel cancer, which includes cancer of the colon or rectum, kills around 16,000 people in the UK every year. It is most common in people over 50 and if it is diagnosed early there is a good chance of a cure. A screening programme is presently being rolled across the UK.
This latest research adds to a growing number of studies showing the health benefits of coffee. An Italian study of over 4000 elderly people found that those who drank four or more cups of coffee a day were significantly less likely to develop Parkinson's disease.
A Dutch report, published in The Lancet, found that people who drank seven or more cups of coffee a day were 50 percent less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than less frequent coffee drinkers.
Coffee combined with regular exercise may help to prevent skin cancer, according to a recent US study. There is also some evidence that coffee may help manage asthma, stop a headache, boost mood and even prevent tooth decay.
However, people should enjoy coffee in moderation. Caffeine, a main ingredient of coffee is a mild addictive stimulant and can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. The UK's Food Standards Agency advises pregnant women to drink no more than 300mg of caffeine a day, equivalent to three cups of coffee.
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.