Good news for coffee and tea drinkers! A new study shows that your daily cup might be helping your health in ways you didn't expect.
Recent research indicates that moderate consumption of coffee, tea, and caffeine may help protect against a range of cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has shed light on the potential health benefits of our favourite caffeinated beverages.
Led by Dr. Chaofu Ke from Soochow University in China, the research team analysed data from the UK Biobank, a massive health study involving over 500,000 participants aged 37-73.
Moderate coffee or caffeine intake (3 cups of coffee or 200-300 mg of caffeine daily) was associated with a 40-48% lower risk of developing multiple cardiometabolic conditions.
Regular consumption of coffee, tea, and caffeine was linked to a reduced risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) - the presence of two or more cardiometabolic diseases.
The protective effect was most pronounced with moderate intake, suggesting a "sweet spot" for consumption.
As we age, our bodies face more challenges in maintaining good health. Sometimes, multiple health problems can occur together, creating a domino effect that's harder to manage.
This is what doctors call cardiometabolic multimorbidity - a fancy term for when conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke team up against us.
Dr. Ke emphasises the severity of this situation: "People with multiple cardiometabolic diseases have a 4 to 7 times higher risk of dying compared to those without any such diseases. They also face greater risks of physical disability and mental stress."
While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, researchers believe that the benefits of coffee and tea extend beyond their caffeine content.
Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist who was not involved in the study, explains:
"Both coffee and tea are complex beverages containing hundreds of bioactive compounds. Flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols found in these drinks are thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and might be involved in glucose and lipid metabolism as well."
Despite the promising findings, it's important to note that this study shows an association, not a causal relationship. Additionally, the benefits may not extend to all caffeinated beverages.
Dr. Chen explains: "In other foods containing caffeine such as sodas and chocolate, any potential benefit of the caffeine would likely be offset by the high amount of sugar contained in those foods."
The NHS acknowledges the potential benefits of moderate coffee consumption but emphasises balance.
According to their guidelines, up to 400mg of caffeine a day is considered safe for most adults. This equates to roughly 4 cups of coffee.
However, they also stress the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, in preventing cardiometabolic diseases.
1. How much coffee or caffeine is considered "moderate" consumption?
The study suggests that 3 cups of coffee or 200-300 mg of caffeine daily provides the optimal protective effect.
2. Does this mean I should start drinking coffee if I don't already?
Not necessarily. While the study shows potential benefits, it's important to consider your individual health status and preferences.
3. Are all sources of caffeine equally beneficial?
No. The study primarily focused on coffee and tea. Other caffeinated beverages, especially those high in sugar, may not provide the same benefits and could potentially be harmful if consumed in excess.
4. Can caffeine affect blood sugar levels?
Yes, some studies suggest that caffeine may temporarily impair insulin action, leading to a small rise in blood sugar levels, particularly after meals. People with diabetes should monitor their response to caffeine carefully.
This article is for general information only and is not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. If in doubt please check with your GP first.
References:
Xujia Lu, Xiaohong Zhu et al., Habitual Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine Consumption, Circulating Metabolites, and the Risk of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae552.
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