1.04.2006

Health Benefit of Coffee


Women with gene mutations that carry a high risk of developing breast cancer could decrease their risk by drinking a lot of coffee, a Canadian research team has found.

University of Toronto researcher Dr Steven A Narod and his team examined the links between coffee consumption and the risk of breast cancer among 1,690 high-risk women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

They found the likelihood of developing breast cancer among BRCA mutation carriers who drank one to three cups of coffee daily was reduced by 10 per cent, compared to those who did not drink coffee.

The risk dropped by 25 per cent for those who drank four to five cups and 69 per cent for women who drank six or more cups of coffee.

The report, published in the International Journal of Cancer, says the team found significant protection from coffee for women with a BRCA1 mutation but not for carriers of a BRCA2 mutation.

The investigators noted that coffee is an important source of phytoestrogens, which may have protective effects.

The article doesn't state if this research was supported by Starbuck's or Dunkin' Donuts (just kidding). But, hey, have another cup, maybe it just is good for you.

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