DRINKING BLACK COFFEE AT LUNCHTIME REDUCES DIABETES RISK

Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease that is linked to obesity, heredity as well as the daily stress faced by individuals. Many studies have hinted that antioxidants present in coffee may help prevent the development of diabetes.

Now, a study from researchers of the University of Sao Paulo in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil has revealed that people who drink black coffee at lunchtime can reduce their risk of developing diabetes. The study examined the relation between diabetes consumption and diabetes prevention in 69,532 Frenchwomen, who were participating in a large European health and nutrition study.

All women in the study had an average age of 41 to 72 years and were followed for 11 years at an average. During the study period, 1,415 of the women developed type 2 diabetes. The researchers looked at the coffee consumption habits of the women and found that overall drinking coffee conferred a 27% reduced risk of developing diabetes.

However when the time was examined, it emerged that women who drank coffee just before or after lunch had a 33% reduced risk of developing the disease. The benefits of consuming lunchtime coffee was only seen with black coffee. However because a very less percentage of women drank coffee with milk, the benefits or otherwise of that beverage in preventing diabetes remain unknown.

The details of the study appear in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Coffee is rich in antioxidants like magnesium and chlorogenic acid. The beneficial effects of coffee in reducing diabetes risk in the above study can be attributed to these antioxidants. However consumers must also be aware that coffee contains caffeine, a powerful stimulant. Caution must be exercised when drinking large amounts of coffee.