We’ve heard of so many side effects of drinking coffee, but did you know that it also has its own benefits?
Scientists from Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University have found that coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.
It is the third leading cause of cancer death among men, with statistics indicating that around one in six men will be diagnosed with it by the age of 85.
Coffee is best known for its caffeine content, a natural stimulant that helps increase alertness and energy levels. However, caffeine’s effects go beyond just helping people feel active.
Caffeine acts on the central nervous system and has been shown to improve memory, mood, reaction time and overall cognitive performance. Some research also suggests that caffeine can improve physical endurance and exercise performance.
In recent years, many studies have suggested that coffee consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, breast and liver cancer.
However, the biological mechanisms behind these potential protective effects are not yet fully understood.
In the current study, the researchers observed the relationship between coffee consumption and prostate cancer risk.
They reviewed data from 16 studies involving a total of more than 57,000 cases of prostate cancer and a total of more than 1 million participants.
The analysis found that higher coffee intake was strongly associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Compared to men who consumed the least amount of coffee, those with the highest coffee intake had a significantly reduced risk of developing the disease.
The researchers also identified a clear linear relationship: for each additional cup of coffee consumed per day, the risk of prostate cancer decreased further.
Based on these findings, the researchers suggest that higher coffee intake may be associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
However, they have indicated that observational studies cannot prove cause and effect, and that further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms.
