Cancer, a study shows how coffee can protect us from the disease. New medical research on 1700 patients shows that coffee is our ally
That coffee was an ally against some diseases is nothing new. Various previous research, in fact, has already suggested how coffee, which contains hundreds of biologically active compounds that have antioxidant properties, can have some benefits against some diseases, including neurodegenerative ones, thus reducing the symptoms of the pathologies. Now, in this new medical research conducted by Ellen Kampman, professor at Wageningen University, the Netherlands, and Marc Gunter, professor of epidemiology and cancer prevention at the school of public health at Imperial College London, people affected by cancer to the intestine who drink two to four cups of coffee a day are much less likely to see the disease return. The news was later reported by the Guardian. Experts said the results were promising and speculated that if further studies show the same effect, the 43,000 Britons diagnosed with bowel cancer could be encouraged to sip the drink, which is beloved in many countries around the world, including, of course, Italy. The disease claims around 16,500 victims a year, 45 a day. A study conducted by Dutch and British researchers on 1,719 cancer patients in the Netherlands found that those who drank at least two cups of coffee had a lower risk of the disease returning. The effect was dose-dependent: those who drank more saw their risk reduce more. In particular, according to the study, financed by the World Cancer Research Fund, patients who sipped at least five cups a day were 32% less likely to see the disease disappear than those who drank one. Similarly, higher levels of coffee consumption also appear to be closely linked to a person’s chances of survival. As in the case of the risk of relapse, those who drink at least five cups would see their chance of dying reduce by 29%. This is a rather intriguing study, said Dr. Ellen Kampman. However, we are confident that the discovery is real because it appears to be quantity dependent: the more coffee you drink, the greater the effect. The results are very provocative, as we do not fully understand why coffee would have such an effect in patients suffering from bowel cancer, explained the professor. Marc Gunter, co-author of the study, but they are also promising. They could indicate a way to improve the prognosis and survival of patients from this terrible disease. Coffee, notes Giovanni D’Agata, president of the Rights Desk, contains hundreds of biologically active compounds that have antioxidant properties and can protect against cancer. The drink also lowers inflammation and insulin levels, linked to the development and progression of intestinal cancer. However – the teacher finally concluded – we need further research to better understand how coffee can have such an effect.