In addition to the link between coffee and diabetes, liver cancer, scientists have also discovered the effects of this beverage on prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a serious disease in men, with causes that may include age, genetics, diet, and lifestyle. According to WHO statistics (2018), prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer and ranks eighth in cancer mortality rates. Numerous studies have been conducted to find ways to prevent this disease.
In 2017, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer demonstrated that coffee may help combat prostate cancer, especially among men aged 50 and older. Researchers evaluated data from nearly 7,000 men in Italy, surveyed their coffee consumption habits, and tracked the incidence of prostate cancer over a four-year period.
The results showed that men who consumed three or more cups of coffee daily had a 53% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who did not drink coffee or consumed 1-2 cups per day.
Each cup of coffee can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. (Illustrative image).
In 2020, a study by scientists at China Medical University (Shenyang, China) published in the BMJ Open medical journal found a correlation between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
In this study, scientists examined data from over 1 million men in North America, Europe, and Japan, including 57,732 individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. Up to 15 reports compared the highest coffee consumption levels to the lowest, which varied over 2 cups of coffee per day.
After analyzing the data through the literature, the researchers found that those who consumed the most coffee could reduce their risk of prostate cancer by 9-12% compared to those who consumed the least. Each cup of coffee contributes to reducing men’s risk of prostate cancer.
Furthermore, coffee also plays a role in reducing the growth of cancer cells in patients with prostate cancer. Specifically, compared to the group that consumed less coffee, men who drank more coffee had up to a 16% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer.
“Coffee improves glucose metabolism, reduces insulin levels in the blood, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and influences sex hormone levels. All of these factors contribute to the prevention and reduction of prostate cancer development,” explained Dr. Kefeng Wang from China Medical University.
Coffee also contributes to reducing the growth of cancer cells in patients with prostate cancer. (Illustrative image).
Coffee is a beverage rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which prevent cellular damage and reduce inflammation in the body. Previously, scientists from Kanazawa University (Japan) identified kahweol acetate and cafestol, natural hydrocarbons found in Arabica coffee, that can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.
Another study showed that men who drank coffee daily had a nearly 20% lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Interestingly, whether the coffee contains caffeine or is decaffeinated, the results are the same.
In addition to coffee, many other foods have been shown to help prevent prostate cancer, such as cruciferous vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, foods rich in omega-3, pomegranate juice, and green tea. Doctors warn that men should limit their consumption of processed foods, high-sugar diets, red meat, and animal fats to prevent prostate cancer and reduce the progression of the disease as well as the risk of recurrence.
