A new study shows coffee reduces the risk of cancer in alcohol drinkers. Heavy drinking is an unhealthy habit as it can damage one’s thinking capacities while also putting the person at a risk of developing chronic liver damage, a precondition that can lead to hepatic cancer and cirrhosis.
The research was conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF) in collaboration with the American Institute for Cancer Research for Continuous Update Project (CUP). The assigned specialists analyzed hepatic cancer cases from all over the world and what caused them. The team made an interesting observation – that just one cup of coffee per day could lower the risk of hepatic cancer among heavy drinkers
The benefits of consuming coffee have been discussed by coffee lovers and health advocates for some time now. Coffee contains large amounts of antioxidants which are very good in the battle against heart disease, eye problems, memory disorders, mood swings and weakening immune systems. Despite many benefits, coffee also has a few disadvantages. This is why, only a limited daily amount is recommended.
The team analyzed 34 studies which involved a total of 8.2 million participants out of which, 24.500 were diagnosed with hepatic cancer. This study is considered “the most rigorous and systematic analysis among scientific research project on liver cancer” worldwide.
In order to further lower the risk of hepatic cancer, abusive alcohol drinkers should also limit the amount of alcohol they consume daily. The accepted amount for men is two drinks per day while women are recommended not to exceed the limit of one drink per day.
According to the study, drinking coffee regularly could fully counteract the effects of alcohol abuse. The research does, however, have a few shortcomings as most of the analyzed studies were conducted on laboratory animals. This means there is a need for additional data which can be obtained through human trials.
The team reached another conclusion. It seems that foods contaminated with aflatoxins, a type of mold, can also increase the risk of liver damage. Aflatoxins result from the “inadequate storage of food” and are usually found on products that are produced in “warmer, developing regions of the world”.
So, besides limiting alcohol intake and consuming coffee on a regular basis, one also needs to be careful when consuming products such as “cereals, spices, peanuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts, chillies, black pepper, dried fruit and figs”.
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