Coffee for health

Does the java really rejuvenate? It’s too much to wish for really, but studies do show that women who drink one cup of coffee a day have up to a 25% lower risk of stroke compared to those women who drink less. Do people drink less?

Dr. Susanna Larsson, from the Division of Nutritional Epidemiology, National Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute in Stockholm , and her colleagues followed 30,000 women for 10 years. In doing so they discovered that low to no coffee consumption equaled a greater chance of stroke. It’s not enough data to change your habits, but this is the kind of information that makes the light but daily coffee drinker feel a little better.

Larsson did note that since coffee is the single most popular drink worldwide, that knowing how it affects health has broad ramifications.

The study did not distinguish between caffeinated and decaffeinated types of coffee, but since almost no one drinks decaf in Sweden, it’s safe to bet the healthful benefits are related to blissful caffeine.

When Larsson was asked to speculate as to why this might happen, she sighted reduced inflammation, reduced oxidative stress, and improved insulin sensitivity as possible factors. She was also quick to point out that the study is broad and preliminary. There could be other contributors besides coffee or instead of coffee that contribute to a reduction in stroke.

More studies to follow. Until then, have a second cup. It could be good for you.

Source: Stroke, MedicalNewsToday