Even More Confirmation that Coffee Helps Prevent Diabetes

Over the years, several studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One 2009 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that every cup of regular coffee you drink lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes by seven percent. And drinking three to four cups of decaffeinated coffee per day reduces that risk by 33% compared to non-coffee drinkers.

Now, a new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found similar effects and shows exactly why coffee is so protective against diabetes. What researchers found is that coffee contains two compounds that help to block a substance called human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP). The “misfolding” of  hIAPP has been implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes, and regular coffee consumption appears to interfere with that destructive process.

But diabetes prevention isn’t coffee’s only benefit. Coffee also reduces the risk of skin cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, it improves concentration and alertness, and can even halt a full-blown asthma attack. 
 
Yet, as I often caution there are some people who need to watch their coffee consumption. If you have high blood pressure or you’re pregnant or expecting to become pregnant, I recommend that you go easy on caffeine. And if you’re struggling with osteoporosis, limit your coffee intake to a cup every now and then—higher intake has been linked with a decrease in bone density.

Now, as compelling as it is to think you can drink a cup of coffee and just sit back and reap the benefits, it shouldn’t be anyone’s primary strategy for preventing disease. But if you enjoy drinking coffee, you can drink up knowing you’re benefitting your health!

Now it’s your turn: How many cups of coffee do you typically drink?

You may also be interested in:

5 Healthy Reasons to Enjoy Your Cup ‘O Joe

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