While the downside of a caffeine overload has been well-reported, recent research suggests that drinking a few cups of coffee a day could actually have a significant health benefit.
A new study from Stanford University found that caffeine could fight age-related inflammation, which can play a role major illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and heart problems, Time reports.
"More than 90 percent of all noncommunicable diseases of aging are associated with chronic inflammation," said the study's lead author, David Furman. "It's also well-known that caffeine intake is associated with longevity. Many studies have shown this association. We've found a possible reason for why this may be so."
To find an answer, Furman and his research team analyzed blood samples from 100 young and old people. As expected, the older group were found to have more activity in inflammation-related genes, but the people who were protected against these genes had one thing in common—they were all caffeine drinkers.
"The more caffeine people consumed, the more protected they were against a chronic state of inflammation," Furman said.
The researchers have highlighted that inflammation isn't always a bad thing though, as it contributes to a healthy immune system. Yet, there's clearly a point in old age when the body becomes less-effective at managing it. This is something the team hopes to identify in a further study, when Furman and others examine the immune systems of 1,000 people.
While the inflammatory process occurs naturally as we get older, it sounds like drinking coffee might be one way to reduce it.
From: Prima UK
