Popular drink hailed as ‘miracle’ as it can reduce risk of cancer, Parkinson's and dementia, study finds

Experts highlight the significant health benefits of coffee, with Professor Stephen Safe from Texas A&M University and his team calling it a "miracle" drink. They compared its benefits to the Mediterranean diet and aspirin, noting its ability to reduce the risk of various health issues. Despite concerns about caffeine and dental hygiene, most research shows coffee's benefits outweigh its downsides. For instance, a 2019 study found that coffee lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 22%, and a 2021 study showed that drinking over 60 cups a month can reduce the risk of liver cancer by 70%, colon and breast cancer by almost 50%, and thyroid cancer by nearly 30%. Coffee's protective effects have been known for decades, including a 2002 study that found it reduced the risk of Parkinson’s disease by up to 30%. More recently, a study by Marilyn Cornelis from Northwestern University linked coffee consumption to a lower risk of neurological diseases like dementia, attributing these benefits to coffee's caffeine content and polyphenols, which likely have antioxidant effects. An analysis of 32 studies debunked the myth that coffee causes heart disease, though excessive consumption can lead to issues like trouble sleeping, heart palpitations, and excessive urination in older men with enlarged prostates.