Coffee is the main source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet, according to a study conducted by Dr. Joe Vinson at the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Antioxidants control damage to cells that, if left unchecked, can result in cancer. Coffee intake may play a role in preventing prostate cancer due to its antioxidant properties. This fatal cancer affects one out of six men in the U.S. and is the second leading cause of death. Recent studies highlight the positive effects of coffee on prostate cancer risk.
Positive Effects of Coffee on Prostate
In May 2011, researchers from Harvard School of Public Health reported that a daily intake of six or more cups of coffee decreased the risk of prostate cancer. Interestingly, incidence of prostate cancer decreased with intake of either regular or decaffeinated coffee, indicating a factor other than caffeine responsible for reduction of prostate cancer. Another study published in "BMC Cancer" in March 2011 analyzed data from 59 studies and also found that coffee intake decreased the risk of prostate cancer.
No Effect of Coffee on Prostate
Instead of an inverse relationship between coffee intake and prostate cancer incidence, a review article published in the 2010 issue of "Nutrition and Cancer" and one published in the 2009 issue of "Cancer Letters" found no relationship between the consumption of coffee and prostate cancer.
How Coffee Works
Studies show that various chemicals in coffee work by inhibiting the action of some enzymes that activate the formation of cancer cells. The antioxidants in coffee neutralize free radicals that have the potential to damage cells and cause cancer. Some of the chemicals in coffee that have anticarcinogenic properties are diterpenes such as cafetol and kahweal, and polyphenols such as lignan phytoestrogens and flavonoids. The caffeic acid in coffee inactivates the cancer forming process, while chlorogenic acid has as an antioxidant effect. (see Reference 3)
Your Coffee Intake
While a high intake of coffee appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, you must consider the side effects of a high caffeine intake. The Mayo Clinic states that two to four cups of coffee daily or a caffeine intake of 200 to 300 mg per day is not harmful; however, an intake of more than 500 to 600 mg per day can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, stomach upset, fast heartbeat and muscle tremors.Therefore, before refilling your cup, you should weigh the effect of coffee intake not only on the prostate, but other aspects of health as well.
References
- "National Geographic News"; Coffee Buzz: Drink is Top Antioxidant Source in U.S.; Victoria Gilman; August 2005
- Harvard School of Public Health; Press Release; Coffee May Reduce Risk of Lethal Prostate Cancer in Men; May 2011
- "BMC Cancer"; Coffee Consumption and Risk of Cancers: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies; Xiaofeng Yu et al.; March 2011
- "Nutrition and Cancer"; Epidemiologic Evidence on Coffee and Cancer; L. Arab; March 2010
- "Cancer Letters"; Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Cancer: An Overview; A. Nkondjock; May 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?; March 2011.
