Researche
rs from the U.S. and Israel have found that drinking coffee every day – even decaffeinated coffee – may lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
Senior study author Dr. Stephen Gruber, of the University of Southern California (USC) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, and colleagues publish their findings in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
The researchers found that drinking one to two servings of coffee a day – defined as moderate coffee consumption – reduced the risk of colorectal by 26%, compared with participants who drank less coffee.
And the risk reduced even further with an increase in coffee intake; participants who consumed more than 2.5 servings of coffee daily had up to a 50% lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Not only did these findings remain after accounting for known colorectal cancer risks, but the researchers also found that the reduced risk was seen across all coffee types – even decaffeinated.
“We were somewhat surprised to see that caffeine did not seem to matter,” says Dr. Gruber. “This indicates that caffeine alone is not responsible for coffee’s protective properties.”
The researchers explain that both caffeine and and polyphenol have antioxidant properties that can reduce the growth of colon cancer cells.
Additionally, studies have suggested that compounds called melanoidins – which are produced during the roasting process – boost colon mobility, while the compound diterpene in coffee may boost the body’s defenses against oxidative damage, preventing cancer development.
“The levels of beneficial compounds per serving of coffee vary depending on the bean, roast and brewing method,” says first author Stephanie Schmit, PhD, also of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. “The good news is that our data presents a deceased risk of colorectal cancer regardless of what flavor or form of coffee you prefer.”
The researchers note that in Israel, where the study participants were from, coffee consumption is less common and more variable than in the U.S.
However, because their results indicate the protective effect of coffee exists across all types, the researchers believe there is no reason to believe the findings would not be applicable to Americans.
Still, Dr. Gruber says further research is needed before they can recommend coffee consumption as a preventive strategy for colorectal cancer. He adds: “That being said, there are few health risks to coffee consumption, I would encourage coffee lovers to revel in the strong possibility that their daily mug may lower their risk of colorectal cancer.”
April 1, 2016