Coffee is inarguably one of the most popular beverages anywhere in the world. Because of this fact, there is a constant mishmash between speculations and proven research findings on the true health value and benefits of drinking it. Some have claimed that this beverage can help cure certain diseases, but studies have also proven that it poses negative effects to our system when consumed excessively. More studies and research are being done to back up previous findings on the effects of caffeine in our health.

A recent study in the Philippines show how much Filipinos like coffee. Filipinos buy coffee products close to twice a week, which is equivalent to an approximate of 81 times a year, where they spend an average of P22.00 per purchase. Heavy drinkers on the other hand, buy products close to thrice a week, or about 126 times a year, and spends an average of P28.00 per purchase.

We gathered some interesting studies on the consequences of regular caffeine intake, so we can have a reliable and thorough overview of the real side effects of drinking your favorite cup. Take time to read the facts below and then ask yourself this question, “What are some of the diseases that coffee can help prevent?”

COFFEE AND DIABETES

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) did comparative studies where the diet of various partakers was screened using questionnaires. Partakers who have type 2 diabetes answered additional questions. The research concluded that participants who had increased coffee intake by more than one cup a day on average, through a 4-year period, had an 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes over the succeeding 4 years, compared to those who did not change the amount of their intake.

Dr. Simin Liu and some UCLA researchers also conducted tests which may have finally determined how coffee helps fight diabetes. Their research showed that plasma levels of sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) are important predictors of type 2 diabetes risk. Their previous study indicates that drinking caffeinated coffee may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by mediating sex hormone pathways.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE

According to a study done at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center (RI MUHC), coffee may help control movement of people who suffer from Parkinson’s.  Another study made in the United States concluded that higher caffeine intake can be linked to lower incidence of Parkinson’s. However, Harvard Medical School says this may be limited to males.

HEART FAILURE

The Harvard School of Public Health and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) determined that moderate coffee drinking protects us from heart failure. Moderate coffee drinking is equivalent to an 8-ounce American serving each day. Other studies found that taking a larger amount of coffee can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and interestingly, this seems to work more on women.

ALZHEIMER’S and DEMENTIA

A test was conducted on participants aged between 65 and 88. Through the test, researchers were able to prove that those who drank more coffee showed less signs of dementia and the early onset of Alzheimer’s. PsychCentral researcher Gary Arendash mentioned that moderate daily consumption of caffeinated coffee appears to be the best dietary option for long-term protection against memory loss.

LIVER CANCER

A number of studies have backed up the good effects of caffeine consumption in combating liver cancer. A study made by the University of Minnesota found that high coffee intake or an average of 3 cups per day greatly lowered the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is the most common type of liver cancer.

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