More than half of Americans drink coffee daily, according to market research by the National Coffee Association, and of those who consume, the average is 3.1 cups per day. As one of the country's most popular drinks, research on the effect of coffee on health is quite extensive. Most recently, good news is emerging about the benefits of drinking coffee.
Polyphenols and Caffeine
Caffeine was once considered the primary ingredient in coffee able to alter one's health. More recently, research has discovered that like many plant based foods and beverages, coffee contains phytonutrients, or compounds beneficial to human health. The phytonutrients that work as antioxidants in the body are in such high amounts that coffee ranks above green tea, red wine, and cocoa in antioxidant content. According to a Joe Venson, PhD, in a report by CNN, it is likely the antioxidants in coffee that lead to the protective effects science is now uncovering.
Type 2 Diabetes
Several long term studies have shown an inverse relationship between coffee consumption and development of type 2 diabetes. The Coffee Science website summarizes the results of recent studies, noting that in one study, drinking coffee cut the risk of developing diabetes by 54 percent to 80 percent for those who drank 10 cups per day. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health similarly found that drinking coffee could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30 percent to 50 percent.
Cancer Prevention
The protective benefits of coffee have been researched in relationship to various cancers. According to a CNN report in April 2010, coffee has been shown to lower risk for prostate, colon and liver cancer. Additionally, coffee slows the rate of liver cirrhosis, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
Exercise and Training Benefits
The caffeine in coffee has been shown to have benefits in exercise and conditioning. Coffee can decrease muscle pain during workouts, reports researchers in a 2009 study at the University of Illinois published in the "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism." Caffeine also is known to improve performance in endurance events and may improve performance in brief, short duration events also, according to Dan Bernardot, PhD, author of "Advanced Sports Nutrition."
Health Risks
Harvard School of Public Health describes caffeine as a "mild addictive stimulant" and adds that health risks are modest, such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and occasional irregular heart beat. The Harvard School of Public Health suggests avoiding heavy coffee consumption.
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