Caffeine is the most commonly consumed stimulant in the world, which is no surprise given its ability to increase wakefulness, alleviate tiredness and improve concentration and focus. But it can also have a positive effect on your overall health, reducing the chance of developing life-changing diseases.
Cancer
Caffeine has been shown to have some effects on the incidence of mouth and throat cancers.
In a study of more than 900,000 participants, men and women who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from oral cancers, compared with those who did not drink coffee or only drank it occasionally.
It has also been linked with protection against recurrence of breast cancer, reduced risk of prostate cancer, and lower risk endometrial cancers.
Type 2 diabetes
One long-term study has shown that increasing your coffee intake by more than one cup a day over a four-year period can lower your risk of type two diabetes by one percent.
It also showed that those who lowered their daily consumption by more than one cup of coffee showed a 17 percent higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
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However, the reasons for the link were unclear.
It may be due to lowered insulin sensitivity, meaning the body does not use the insulin produced efficiently.
What are the risks of caffeine consumption?
While there is a wealth of research out there suggesting that caffeine is beneficial, it can also have some harmful effects on the body.
Caffeine addiction is a recognised health problem and can give you withdrawal symptoms.
It is also commonly linked with conditions such as insomnia, depression and there is some evidence to suggest it can cause fertility issues in women.
Source: Daily Express
