A study recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute linked a decreased risk of certain melanomas. Specifically, cutaneous melanoma, the fifth most common type of skin cancer in the US, is found to be inversely related to the participants’ intake of coffee. Researchers believe that the combination of caffeine and naturally occurring antioxidants and compounds are the cause of the increased health levels.
The details of this study reveal that the benefit was enjoyed only by those who drank four or more cups of caffeinated coffee each day. Drinking decaffeinated coffee did not create the same results, leading researchers to the conclusion that caffeine was a strong component in bringing about the benefits observed. They have recommended that additional study look into further detail into this link between caffeine and lowered cancer risk.
In the meantime, those of us who love our morning (or afternoon or evening) coffee can drink up, knowing that it is actually good for us! The naturally occurring caffeine and healthy compounds in coffee are finally being recognized for the great health benefits that result from a moderate coffee drinking habit.
Four to five cups of caffeinated coffee per day are not only acceptable, but are actually good for you.
This particular study demonstrates that protecting ourselves from harmful UV rays is not the only step that we can take to protect ourselves from skin cancer. If drinking four cups of caffeinated coffee each day reduces our risk of melanoma, it is just one more reason to enjoy a hot cup of our favorite brew.
