London, Oct 14 (IANS) Women who drink four to six cups
of coffee a day are less likely to suffer from womb cancer, while men
who drink the same amount are less likely to suffer from prostate
cancer, says a study by Harvard University.
The researchers studied 117,000 volunteers -- 67,000 women and 50,000 men over a 20-year period, the Daily Mail reported.
The
effects were seen regardless of whether the people drank regular or
decaffeinated coffee. This suggested the effects are not linked to
caffeine.
Though many people limit the amount of coffee they
consume as it can cause a rise in blood pressure, other studies suggest
the drink may also offer health benefits, the daily said.
Regular
coffee drinkers also appeared to have a lower risk of Type-2 diabetes,
gallstones, colon cancer and even Parkinson's disease.
In the
latest research, the Harvard team found that women who drank four or
more cups a day reduced their risk of endometrial cancer by 25 percent
compared to those who drank less than one cup a day.
A similar effect was found for decaffeinated coffee, but tea consumption had no impact.
The experts also looked at coffee intake among 50,000 men.
Those
who drank six or more cups had an 18 percent lower risk of suffering
from prostate cancer and a 60 percent lower risk of developing its most
deadly form.
One theory said coffee may have a beneficial effect on insulin levels.
The
drink can improve glucose processing and has anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant effects, all of which play roles in cancer progression, the
daily said.
The researchers, however, warned against adding sugar
and cream to each cup because the extra calories could offset benefits
gained from the coffee.