Can Coffee Prevent Cancer? New Study Says Yes

Every morning millions of us turn to the coffee maker before our significant other or our children. Coffee is the fuel that turns us from tired, angry monsters into fully functioning human beings. Coffee is like a cup of magic.

There are lots of people who choose to cut out coffee in order to reduce their caffeine intake. If they do not like they way they feel on caffeine, then I commend them for making the switch. However, since science has long praised the health benefits of drinking coffee in moderation, and frankly I don't know that I could function without it, I will not ever be one of those people who can cut out their morning cup of Joe.

Whether it is a dire need or has a placebo effect, I consider it my duty to drink coffee every morning. Not just to function coherently but also because of its health and antioxidant properties. Coffee consumption has been found to reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, including endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck cancers, oral cancer and breast cancer. It may even reduce the risk of breast cancer returning. Some data indicates that three cups of coffee per day reduce liver cancer risk by more than 50 percent. One study even found that older adults who drank coffee (caffeinated or decaffeinated) had a lower risk of death overall than others who did not drink coffee.

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Now a study has come out which found that coffee consumption also reduces one's risk of the most common type of liver cancer, by about 40%. One of the reasons may be associated with the fact that coffee consumption can reduce a person's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 25%, depending on how much coffee he or she drinks regularly.

Liver cancer is the 6 th most common cancer in the world, and the 3 rd most common cause of cancer death. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for more than 90% of all liver cancer cases. Liver cancer is typically considered one of the more avoidable cancers as it is commonly caused by chronic infections with hepatitis B and C as well as risk factors such as alcohol, tobacco, obesity, (and the already mentioned) diabetes. Hepatitis B is one of the common virus vaccinations given to children. That vaccination, along with reducing the spread of hepatitis C, reducing extensive alcohol intake, and keeping diabetes under control can all be effective measures for avoiding liver cancer.

This new study indicates that drinking coffee may be helpful as well. In fact, some data indicates that 3 cups of coffee per day could reduce liver cancer risk by more than 50%. While this new finding does not give you a free pass to chase your alcohol with a cup of coffee, it is yet another interesting benefit of coffee consumption nonetheless. A nutrient-rich diet, exercise, enough sleep, and healthy habits are all important as potential cancer deterrents.

And now it is time for another cup.

Coffee. It does a body good.

-By Jessica Cohen

For 9 more surprising reasons why coffee is good for you, visit Babble!

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