Coffee consumption can lower the risk of developing cancer in different parts of the body because it is a substance rich in antioxidants and minerals that help prevent cell degradation and alteration by preventing the onset of mutations that can result in tumors, consequently, cancer.
The amount of coffee needed to keep the body protected varies by type of cancer, however, drinking at least 3 cups of roasted and ground coffee per day is enough to reduce the risk of various types of cancer.
According to several studies, the benefits of coffee are not related to caffeine, but decaffeinated coffee does not have such a great protection power because during the process of removing caffeine, many important antioxidants and minerals are removed.
In addition to coffee, the consumption of a rich and varied food based on natural foods is proven to be a scientific strategy for the protection of the cellular mutations that lead to several types of cancer, because it has many antioxidants as well.
Types of cancer that can be avoided
After different studies with coffee, to observe its effect on cancer, the main results are:
- Prostate cancer: Coffee substances affect glucose and insulin metabolism, as well as the production of sex hormones, which are the main factors in the development of this type of cancer. To reduce up to 60% the chances of having prostate cancer it is recommended to drink at least 6 cups of coffee a day.
- Breast Cancer: Coffee changes the metabolism of some female hormones, eliminating carcinogenic products. In addition, the caffeine appears to hinder the growth of cancerous cells in the breast. Most of the results have been found in women who drink more than 3 cups of coffee a day.
- Skin Cancer: In different studies the coffee is directly related to the decreased risk of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. The higher the coffee intake, the smaller the chances of having skin cancer appear to be.
- Colon cancer: In this type, coffee improves the chances of cure in patients who have already developed the cancer and prevents the tumors from recurring after treatment. To get these drinks you should drink at least 2 cups of coffee a day.
Regardless of the type of cancer, coffee is not a substance with completely proven effectiveness, and its effect is greatly reduced when there are other risk factors such as having a family history of cancer, being a smoker or consuming alcoholic drinks in excess.
Who should not consume coffee
Although coffee can protect against cancer, there are situations in which drinking the indicated amounts can aggravate some health problems. That way, coffee consumption should be avoided by anyone who has high blood pressure, insomnia, heart problems, gastritis or often suffers from excessive anxiety, for example.
