Coffee Could Lower Long-Term Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Great news for coffee lovers! A review of recent studies (conducted by Frank Hu, M.D., Ph.D., professor, nutrition and epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health and published online April 24^th 2014 in Diabetologia) have revealed that increasing your caffeinated coffee intake by 1 ½ cups per day (with 1 cup equaling 8 oz of black coffee or coffee with small amounts of sugar and cream) can lower your long-term risk for type 2 diabetes by 11% and those who drink 3 cups or more were found to have a 37% lower risk than those who drink only 1 cup or less!   In order to conduct the study, researchers analyzed the results from 3 large national studies which followed about 124,000 people between the ages of 25 and 75 over a course of 20 years. Researchers reviewed their consumption of tea, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and the effects it has had on their health.   It should be noted that researchers found tea and decaffeinated coffee consumption had no impact on type 2 diabetes risks.   Researchers are still unclear as to exactly how caffeinated coffee intake lowers long-term risks for type 2 diabetes, although they speculate that it could be from the nutrients and antioxidants that are in the coffee. Possibly, drinking coffee makes people feel full so they eat less, or those who drink more coffee may have more energy to exercise.   It should also be noted that researchers warned that not everyone will respond well to an increase in caffeinated coffee intake. Drinking too much coffee can cause some people to feel jittery and anxious, develop insomnia, or have an increased heart beat, which could be dangerous. Therefore, it would be a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before drastically increasing your caffeinated coffee intake. Researchers also warned that drinking coffee loaded with sugar and creamer will reduce the benefits.   So go ahead and drink up! Feel perkier and reduce your type 2 diabetes risks while enjoying a fine cup of coffee or two, with caution. Also, remember that following a well-balanced diet and exercise plan is ultimately the best way to reduce type 2 diabetes risk, so for optimal results, combine your caffeinated coffee intake with a healthy and diet and exercise!   Sources: http://www.mountainside-medical.com/blog/6-reasons-for-you-to-keep-drinking-coffee/ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_145878.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/Coffee_Diabetes_042514-1.html