Contributed by Sanjiv Chopra, MD, MACP and Frank J. Domino, M.D.
Is there a commonly consumed beverage that decreases the risk of developing a number of common cancers?
Americans consume 400 million cups of this beverage. Worldwide more than 2.25 cups are consumed daily.
If you guessed the beverage is Coffee you are absolutely right!
Coffee has hundreds of constituents and we don’t understand the mechanism of protection.
Individuals who consume coffee have a lower risk of developing:
1. Primary Liver Cancer.
2. Prostrate Cancer.
3. Skin Cancer.
4. Endometrial Cancer.
5. Oro-pharyngeal Cancer.
None of these studies have been sponsored by Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts!
In the 17th Century an anonymous poem was published in London.
The poet wrote:
“ Coffee is that Grave and Wholesome Liquor.
That heals the Stomach, makes the Genius quicker.
Relieves the Memory, revives the Sad,
and cheers the Spirits, without making Mad.”
Sanjiv Chopra, M.D., MACP, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 2013 Chopra Foundation Sages and Scientists Symposium Speaker.
Frank J. Domino, M.D., Professor of Family Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School.