Rather than bidding farewell to caffeine altogether, embracing it in moderation could yield substantial health benefits, especially for those dealing with type 2 diabetes.
A compelling study featured in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care shines a light on this interesting topic.
Study Overview
Carried out by researchers from Japan, the study explored potential protective effects of two popular caffeinated drinks: coffee and green tea.
Nearly 4,923 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes participated, averaging around 66 years of age.
Over a comprehensive five-year period, these participants provided daily insights through questionnaires, detailing their dietary habits and caffeine consumption, including both coffee and green tea.
The researchers also factored in various lifestyle elements, including smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption, and sleep patterns.
During the study, 309 participants unfortunately lost their lives, mainly from ailments like cancer and heart disease.
However, the results brought some encouraging news: those who enjoyed coffee, green tea, or both showed a significant decline in mortality related to diabetes risk factors, which include circulatory diseases, dementia, cancers, and even bone fractures.
Caffeine Consumption and Mortality Risk
So, how much caffeine is beneficial? Interestingly, individuals who consumed just one cup of coffee each day experienced a 12 percent lower mortality risk.
This figure increased to 19 percent with two to three cups and surged to an astonishing 41 percent for those sipping four or more cups per day.
Green tea drinkers also reaped substantial rewards; one cup brought a 15 percent reduction in risk, while two to three cups led to a 27 percent decrease.
Drinking four or more cups saw that number skyrocket to 40 percent.
Remarkably, participants who enjoyed both beverages—four or more cups of green tea and at least two cups of coffee—boasted a striking 63 percent lower mortality risk.
Potential Health Benefits
It’s vital to remember that this study is observational, so it leaves some questions lingering about why these outcomes occur, especially for those with type 2 diabetes.
Nevertheless, we can speculate that the potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants found in coffee and green tea might play a role in improving overall health and vitality.
For anyone striving for a balanced lifestyle, these findings serve as a lovely reminder to savor that warm cup of green tea or freshly brewed coffee.
Cheers to making choices that nourish our health!
This enlightening research originates from the Fukuoka Diabetes Registry, highlighted in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, emphasizing how the combined effects of green tea and coffee can improve overall mortality rates in type 2 diabetes patients.
Source: Optimistdaily