Coffee drinking ‘more likely to improve health than harm it’

Moderate coffee consumption delivers more positive benefits for human health than risks of harm, according to a new study.

The University of Southampton research has collated evidence from more than 200 studies and found that drinking three to four cups of coffee a day is associated with a lower risk of death and heart disease, compared with drinking no coffee.

People who drank three cups a day experienced the largest reduction in relative risk of death compared with non-coffee drinkers, as drinking more than this was not associated with harm, but also showed a less pronounced beneficial effect.

Coffee drinking was also associated with lower risk of certain cancers – including prostate, endometrial, skin and liver cancer – as well as diabetes, liver disease and dementia. 

The study authors, led by the university's specialist registrar in public health Dr Robin Poole, said this shows coffee drinking "seems safe within usual patterns of consumption, except during pregnancy and in women at increased risk of fracture".

Further research may now be needed to determine whether the relationship highlighted by this study is a causal one.

With over 20 years of experience within the science market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current science roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.