Exploring Coffee Consumption: Possible Impact on Decreasing Colorectal Cancer Risk
Coffee consumption linked to lower risk of colorectal and bowel cancer, according to a study by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).
In the International Journal of Cancer, a study revealed that consuming four cups of coffee daily could reduce the recurrence risk of colorectal cancer by 32%. The research involved 1,719 participants with colorectal cancer in stages 1 through 3.
The study proposes several reasons why coffee may contribute to this outcome, such as:
- decreasing oxidative stress
- promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria
- inhibiting the growth of tumors
- aiding in protection against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Furthermore, the study suggests that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Interestingly, there are differences between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. Caffeinated coffee, specifically, has an association with a higher risk of rectal cancer but not colon cancer, indicating that the body may metabolize the two types of coffee differently.
Coffee consumption might be one of the ways to help prevent colorectal cancer. Engaging in physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use are other essential recommendations.
For individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer, adopting a diet that includes coffee alongside whole grains, milk, and dietary calcium has been associated with improved survival outcomes.
Coffee's benefits stem from its antioxidant and polyphenol content, including chlorogenic acid, diterpenes, and trigonelline, which have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee contain protective compounds against colorectal cancer; however, caffeinated coffee offers additional benefits from caffeine's stimulant properties. Moderate consumption is essential to enjoy the benefits while avoiding potential risks. Excessive caffeine intake could lead to negative effects such as high blood pressure and sleep disturbances, particularly with more than three to four cups daily.
- The study by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) suggests that individuals who consume four cups of coffee daily might experience a reduced recurrence risk of colorectal cancer by 32%.
- The study in the International Journal of Cancer proposes that coffee consumption could contribute to this outcome by decreasing oxidative stress, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, inhibiting the growth of tumors, and aiding in protection against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- In medical-oncology, coffee drinkers are found to have a lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to non-coffee drinkers. However, there are differences between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, with caffeinated coffee having an association with a higher risk of rectal cancer but not colon cancer.
- For individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer, adopting a diet that includes coffee alongside whole grains, milk, and dietary calcium may improve their survival outcomes. This is due to the antioxidant and polyphenol content found in coffee, which have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
