Coffee Not Linked to Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

There has been so much about coffee in the news these past few months. A number of significant studies have look at its effects on reducing everything from heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Now a new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that regularly drinking coffee doesn't increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Here's what you need to know. 

What did researchers look at? They studied the genes of more than 93,000 people in Denmark and determined the genes that affect our craving for coffee were no more likely to develop lifestyle diseases than those who were big coffee drinkers. The result? The amount of coffee one drinks per day doesn't impact whether you'll develop type 2 diabetes or obesity later. 

According to data collected by the National Coffee Association, nearly 60 percent of U.S. adults drink coffee on any given day — and our coffee consumption has been increasing. In 2010, just 54 percent of U.S. adults drank coffee every day, the association found.

There's been a number of reviews around studies that have cited the benefits of various aspects of drinking coffee. Most studies recognize a "cup of coffee" being an 8 ounce serving and when we talk about coffee, we mean black coffee, not with milk, sugar, syrup and other additives. Across the board of most studies, 3-4 cups per day for most everyone is where the peak benefit can be traced to.  Pregnant women and those who suffer from acid reflux and other issues should stay away.

The key is to drink black coffee and get at least 3-4 cups per day if no pre-existing health conditions exist such as acid reflux. Samadi Health Tip: Drink 16 oz. of water for every cup of coffee you drink to stay hydrated. 

Black coffee has reported the following benefits:

  • Reduce risk of most all types of cardiovascular diseases
  • Reduce risk of stroke
  • Reduced risk of diabetes
  • Reduced overall cancer risk
  • Reduce the risk of all liver diseases (liver cancer, cirrhosis etc.)
  • Lower risk of Parkinson’s disease
  • Reduce risk of cognitive decline
  • Potential protective effect against Alzheimer’s

For years, myths like coffee stunts your growth were touted among other, tleading many to believe coffee was not a positive drink of choice. With these new findings, there is no longer a need to view coffee as something we need to cut back on. More research has been done around this morning favorite and has shown potential benefits than almost any other beverage consumed.