Diseases That Can Be Prevented by Drinking Coffee

For several years now, there has been debate about the effects of drinking coffee. However, recent studies reveal that it has more benefits compared to its risks, provided that you do not over-caffeinate yourself. However, this is not always the case. In fact, in 1991, the World Health Organization stated that coffee can be a potential carcinogen. But 25 years later, they reversed it, claiming that it can in fact reduce the risk of some cancers. The coffee seed or coffee bean can be as complex as its chemical components. According to Carey Shore, MS, a licensed dietitian, coffee is made up of thousands of compounds such as antioxidants, amino acids, and organic acids, which can potentially protect us from certain chronic conditions. Hence, we can say that coffee is not just a mere beverage that can wake us up. However, when it comes to drinking coffee, moderation is the key, especially for those who are suffering from hypertension since overconsumption of caffeine can result in high blood pressure. Even if you prefer decaf coffee, you can still enjoy the same health benefits. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to talk to your doctor about the number of cups that you are allowed to drink each day. Below are some of the diseases that can be prevented by simply drinking a cup of coffee.

Heart Disease

One of the major causes of death in the United States is heart disease. However, based on research, drinking coffee regularly can help reduce this risk. Shore reveals that coffee can help minimize the risk of metabolic syndrome, which refers to an array of conditions that can raise the risk of stroke and heart disease. Drinking more than two cups of coffee each day can also help lower the risk of cardiovascular death, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease. This is because coffee contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can help minimize the risk of developing heart disease.

Type II Diabetes

Almost 90% to 95% of those diagnosed with diabetes have type II diabetes. One study, participated in by over 450,000 individuals, has shown that every cup of coffee can help reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes by 7%. Furthermore, the polyphenolic compounds found in coffee and the minerals in coffee beans can help prevent and manage type II diabetes. Shore further stated that the magnesium in coffee can help improve the efficacy of insulin and glucose metabolism. Therefore, consuming more magnesium can likely help minimize rates of type II diabetes. But remember not to go too heavy on those extras, since coffee can also temporarily increase your blood sugar, especially if you use a lot of sugar and cream. Take note that sweet coffee drinks from coffee shops might include 50 grams of sugar or more, as well as between 300 to 600 calories a cup.

If you are at risk of liver disease, it is recommended that you drink more coffee, based on a study involving almost half a million individuals. According to the research, those who drink two to three cups of coffee a day have lower chances of developing liver cancer, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and endometrium. Drinking coffee can produce a certain chemical known as paraxanthine, which can slow down the growth of scar tissues significant in fibrosis and help in combating cancer and hepatitis C.

Colon Cancer

Drinking one to three cups of coffee each day can help stimulate bowel movements. Regular digestion can minimize the colon's exposure to carcinogens, as quicker waste movement is better. However, not all coffee is created equal. For instance, blonde roasted coffee contains a significant amount of antioxidants that have been associated with minimizing the risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, it can protect us from inflammation. Drinking coffee can also encourage the creation of bile acids, aiding in faster digestion and breaking down excess cholesterol. This means your morning brew not only energizes you but also helps prevent the formation of gallstones.

Liver and Colorectal Cancer

At the age of 50, liver and colorectal cancer become more prevalent. When it comes to cancer-related deaths, liver and colorectal cancer rank third and fourth, respectively. Studies show that drinking coffee can help minimize the risk of liver cancer by up to 40%. Coffee can also help reduce the effects of chemical carcinogenesis, particularly in liver tissue. Likewise, it has an inverse association with liver cirrhosis. According to some studies, drinking four or more cups of coffee can help minimize the risk of cirrhosis by up to 80%. Additionally, another study indicates that drinking four to five cups of coffee each day can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Gallstones

Typically, gallstones are comprised of undissolved cholesterol. In a healthy gallbladder, there is a sufficient amount of bile to dissolve the cholesterol discharged from the liver. However, when there is too much cholesterol released from the liver, the excess can turn into crystals, which over time can transform into painful gallstones and dwell in bile ducts. Drinking coffee can help increase the flow of bile and prevent cholesterol from forming into crystals. A study involving over 100,000 Danes has shown that those who drank six cups of coffee each day reduced the risk of gallstones by 23%, while moderate drinkers reduced the risk by 3% to 17%.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is considered the most pervasive neurodegenerative illness worldwide and is the primary cause of dementia. Studies indicate that drinking coffee can reduce the chances of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s by 65%. USDA Lead Scientist Dr. Barbara Shukitt-Hale closely monitors factors that can cause behavioral and neurochemical changes due to age. She revealed that coffee is not only a rich source of the stimulant caffeine but also abundant in polyphenols. Consuming foods high in phenols can directly affect the brain and help minimize oxidative stress and inflammation.

Parkinson’s

Next to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, caused by the death of neurons in the brain. As neurons die, the risk of motor functions becoming out of control increases. Fortunately, drinking coffee can help prevent Parkinson’s. Numerous studies have shown that caffeine can reduce the risk of Parkinson’s by up to 60%. However, the same results are not observed with decaf. Furthermore, one particular study reveals that estrogen replacement therapies can negate caffeine's protective effect against Parkinson’s.