Coffee reduces risks of cancer, diabetes type 2 : Study

Chennai, Mar 4 (UNI) Drinking strong coffee not only refreshes one's mind but also reduces risks of cancer and diabetes type II, according to studies by an eminent radiation biologist.

Coffee, once perceived as unhealthy, was indeed capable of removing harmful entities and preventing various types of cancer, including tobacco-induced carcinogenesis (production of cancerous tumours), pancreatic cancer and alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, said radiation biologist P C Kesavan, who was also former Director, Bio-Medical Group in Baba Atomic Research Centre.

Now a distinguished fellow at M S Swaminathan Research Foundation here, he had conducted several researches on the effects of caffeine.

International studies in the past six to seven years had also demonstrated various health benefits of caffeine, including significant reduction of risks to diabetes type II, cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson's disease and stones, he said.

Laboratory-based basic research had suggested that the substances in coffee (potassium, magnesium, niacin, caffeine, chlorogenic acid and other phenolic compounds) benefit glucose and insulin metabolism.

Stating that coffee as a health drink had completely overran green tea, herbal tea and red wine, he said Robusta coffee beans had twice the antioxidants of Arabica beans.

Dr Kesavan said eminent agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan had suggested development of organic coffee and coffee beans with elevated levels of caffeine and chlorogenic acid for radiation workers, radiologists and others in stressful occupations.

As modern day living was becoming increasingly stressful, good ''coffee breaks'' with real good ''freshly ground coffee'' would do immense good, he said.

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