Coffee often comes with a mix of opinions regarding its health benefits. Is coffee beneficial or harmful? Can you overindulge in it? Luckily for coffee enthusiasts, recent research published in BMJ Medicine reveals an unexpected health advantage of your daily brew: its potential to reduce body fat and lower the risk of diabetes.
How Does Coffee Reduce Diabetes Risk?
Consuming coffee in moderation—about three to five cups daily—has long been linked to a diminished risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The findings from this new study are consistent with prior research, indicating that coffee may support a healthier metabolism.
In this study, researchers analyzed genetic data from approximately 10,000 individuals of European descent. Their findings suggested that higher caffeine levels in the blood corresponded to a lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced body fat. Additionally, these individuals presented a decreased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the risk appeared to decline by about 7% for each cup of caffeinated coffee consumed daily, while for non-caffeinated coffee, the risk decreased by 6% for each cup.
Additional Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Coffee is known to be rich in antioxidants and may also help mitigate inflammation within the body. In fact, for many in the Western diet, it serves as a significant source of antioxidants. “Coffee can be one of the most abundant and reliable sources of cell-protecting antioxidants since many people enjoy it daily,” explains Dana Angelo White, RD, a certified athletic trainer based in Fairfield, Connecticut. Other research has indicated that regular coffee consumption could lower cancer risk, decrease the risk of depression, enhance mental clarity, and boost athletic performance.
Although further investigation is necessary before healthcare professionals start recommending additional coffee in patients’ diets, mounting evidence supports the notion that coffee can be beneficial. As is the case with most dietary choices, moderation remains key.
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