Can a cup of coffee a day keep prostate cancer away?
Niccole LaDue
| 2 min read
Is that morning cup-a-joe providing protection against prostate cancer?
New research out of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle says it’s a possibility that shouldn’t be overlooked. Although researchers say coffee isn’t a cure for prostate cancer, a cup of coffee a day may have benefits for men with a history of prostate cancer. A researcher at the cancer center studied 630 prostate cancer patients. Of those patients, 61 percent drank at least one cup of coffee per day and their risk of prostate cancer recurrence or progression reduced by over 50 percent!
Another study out of the Harvard School of Public Health found that men who regularly consumed coffee had a reduced risk of high-grade or lethal prostate cancer. Coffee contains biologically active compounds that have powerful antioxidant activity, which may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Although these studies show promising results, more research in this area is needed. There is also much research that shows potential negative effects of coffee consumption. However, the results of many of these studies are limited because they do not rule out other negative lifestyle behaviors such as smoking or physical inactivity. It should also be noted that there are other ways besides drinking coffee to obtain the same protective ingredients.
As with anything else, if you drink coffee do so in moderation. Also, if you do not currently drink coffee, I am not suggesting that you start. Coffee is not for everyone and can interact with some medications and exacerbate symptoms associated with certain medical conditions. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your coffee and caffeine consumption.
Photo credit: ~ggvic~
