A cup of coffee has become one of the morning routines, just like checking the mailbox. Despite huge popularity, there is still concern about whether drinking coffee can cause cancer.
WHO warned in the latest report that drinking coffee (or other beverages) above 65°C may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. It is worth noting that the increase in the risk of esophageal cancer is caused by excessive temperature, not coffee itself.
Drinking coffee is not linked to the development of cancer. Instead, drinking coffee has been reported to prevent cancer.
Moderate coffee consumption helps prevent cancer
In June 2016, WHO removed coffee from the list of possible carcinogens and classified coffee as an anti-cancer drink, pointing out that coffee can reduce the risk of uterine cancer and liver cancer.
Other authoritative medical organizations also made similar recommendations. The 2015 American Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee stated that moderate coffee consumption (3-5 cups per day) is healthy. Also, The World Cancer Research Foundation indicated that drinking coffee is associated with reduced risk of some cancers.
Drinking coffee can prevent diseases like cardiovascular diseases
In addition to preventing cancer, moderate coffee consumption can prevent many diseases and prolong life. A relevant study showed that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of death by 8%-15%. In addition, drinking coffee has been reported to reduce the risk of the diseases like cardiovascular diseases (heart disease, heart failure, and stroke etc), type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, cirrhosis, and gout.
Though coffee has many benefits, caffeine it contains is stimulating. Coffee is not recommended for people who are very sensitive to caffeine which can cause some rapid heartbeat or insomnia.
The right way to drink coffee
- Drink in moderation: Excessive coffee consumption may cause adverse reactions. The caffeine contained in coffee may interfere with sleep, cause drowsiness or nervousness, and even anxiety.
- Avoid very hot coffee: Don’t drink coffee at high temperature. Any drink that exceeds 65°C will increase the risk of esophageal cancer.