The relationship between coffee and diabetes undergoes a sea of change on a weekly basis (well, practically). Heck, even I have to review the latest evidence on the matter.
I believe it’s time for an update.
Does Coffee Help To Fend Off Diabetes?
Strong evidence shows that consumption of coffee within the moderate range (3 to 5 cups per day or up to 400 mg/d caffeine) is not associated with increased long-term health risks among healthy individuals. In fact, consistent evidence indicates that coffee consumption is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults.
-USDA Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
In general, studies showed that coffee-lovers who consumed three to four cups on a daily basis had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to those who do not drink.
Why Coffee May Be Beneficial
Coffee contains a cocktail of health beneficial compounds (e.g., polyphenols, potassium, magnesium, chromium) that explain why this all-time American favorite drink could help defend us against diabetes.
Diabetics, Think Twice
Because caffeine may affect insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes, resulting in either lower or higher blood sugar levels, decaffeinated coffee is believed to be a better choice by offering the same benefits as coffee.
The Toppings
Latte, cappuccino, frappuccino. Sure, these drinks contain coffee, but they are loaded with calories as well. To reap the most benefits out of your cup of Java, avoid adding too many high-calorie toppings.
Word of Caution
Even though the health benefits of coffee were seen with consumption reaching as much as ten cups of coffee per day, the FDA recommends limiting the amount of caffeine at 400 mg/day, which equates to four to five cups of coffee. Too much caffeine can result in splitting headaches, insomnia, irritability, faster heartbeat, and tremor.
Dietitian Input
Does coffee help to protect you against type 2 diabetes? Probably.
Should you force yourself to drink coffee to prevent type 2 diabetes? NO. No food can prevent any disease on its own. Just think about it: it’s useless to drink coffee every day if the rest of your diet is shoddy.
Bottom line: If you love coffee, enjoy. If you don’t, welcome to my lonely gang.
[expand title=”References“]
Boire du café diminue les risques de diabète. Extenso. URL Link. Published August 2, 2016. Accessed September 6, 2016.
Coffee and Diabetes. Diabetes.co.uk. URL Link. Accessed September 6, 2016.
FDA to Investigate Added Caffeine. FDA. URL Link. Updated June 21, 2016. Accessed September 6, 2016.
United States Department of Agriculture. Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. USDA. URL Link. Published February 2015. Accessed September 6, 2016.
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