According to a new study published in the journal JAMA Oncology, drinking coffee on a daily basis may increase one’s chance of survival from advanced cancer.

The study, which took place over a span of 12 years, involved over 1,000 patients with metastatic bowel cancer. Researchers found that patients who drank more than four cups of coffee per day had a 36% higher chance of survival than those who did not drink coffee at all.

Coffee and Longevity

The effects of coffee on longevity have been widely debated in scientific research for decades. Some studies have reported benefits such as reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Others have suggested negative side effects like increased anxiety and sleep disturbances. Despite the conflicting evidence, many people still choose to drink coffee as part of their daily routine, and some even swear by its health benefits.

One possible explanation for the positive effects of coffee on longevity is its high content of antioxidants, which are believed to help fight off oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Another theory is that caffeine, the primary active ingredient in coffee, has protective effects against certain diseases and medical conditions.

The Study

The recent study on coffee and metastatic bowel cancer involved 1,171 patients who had been diagnosed with the condition between 2003 and 2016. The patients were followed over a period of 12 years, during which time 524 of them died from the disease.

The researchers collected data on the patients’ coffee consumption habits, as well as various other lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, and exercise.

After analyzing the data, the researchers found that patients who drank at least four cups of coffee per day had the best chance of survival. Specifically, they had a 36% lower risk of dying than those who did not drink coffee at all.

The study also found that patients who drank less than four cups of coffee per day still had a lower risk of dying than non-coffee drinkers, but the effect was less pronounced.

Limitations of the Study

While the findings of the study are intriguing, it is important to note that there are some limitations to the research.

For one, the study only focused on patients with metastatic bowel cancer, so it is unclear whether the results would hold up for other types of cancer or for people without cancer. Additionally, the study was observational in nature, meaning that it cannot prove causation between coffee consumption and increased longevity. There may be other factors at play that influenced the results.

Lastly, it is worth noting that the study did not collect data on how the coffee was prepared or what type of coffee was consumed.

This is important because different brewing methods and types of coffee can lead to vastly different levels of caffeine, antioxidants, and other compounds. Thus, it is unclear whether the positive effects seen in the study are due to coffee in general or a specific type of coffee prepared in a specific way.

Other Health Benefits of Coffee

Beyond its potential effects on longevity, coffee has been linked to several other health benefits. Here are a few:.

Improved cognitive function

Some studies have found that caffeine can improve cognitive function, memory, and reaction time, especially in older adults.

Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

Several studies have found that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Lower risk of liver disease

Coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Reduced risk of depression

A handful of studies have found that coffee consumption may lower the risk of developing depression, especially in women.

Conclusion

While the recent study on coffee and metastatic bowel cancer is intriguing, it is important to remember that more research is needed to fully understand the link between coffee and longevity.

Additionally, it is important to consider the potential limitations of the research and to approach any health claims about coffee with caution. Nonetheless, there is evidence to suggest that coffee may have other health benefits beyond its potential effects on longevity, making it a popular beverage choice for many people around the world.