A study conducted by the journal Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that the consumption of tea and coffee, even decaffeinated, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Specifically, for each additional cup of coffee consumed in a day, the risk is reduced of diabetes by 7 percent. Obesity and physical inactivity are
believed to be the main factor in this type of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), which, by the year 2025, will affect some 380 million people, according to this study. Previous research had revealed, between 1996 and this year, a close relationship between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of disease, but evidence of its effect has since mounted, said Rachel Huxley of the George Institute for International Health at the University of Sydney, Australia.
Three or four cups a day are good for your health.
Huxley and a group of scientists indicate that 225,516 people participated in these investigations. Analyzing the results, scientists have determined that for each additional cup of coffee consumed in a day, the risk of diabetes was reduced by 7 percent. Those who drank three to four cups a day had about a 25 percent lower risk compared to those who drank two or fewer cups. Studies have also evaluated the effects of decaffeinated coffee and tea, finding a similar effect in reducing diabetes risk. Even if the reduction is small (7 percent), and coffee is said to increase susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, people can safely consume it, scientists say.
However, Lars Rydén, professor at the European Society of Cardiology, assures that, in any case, lifestyle has a greater influence on the development or not of this type of diabetes. “Coffee helps, but there are other things that are more important. Those who are overweight should reduce their weight by 5 to 10 percent and include physical activity such as brisk walking for 30 minutes a day,” he said.
