Another reason for daily coffee!
An interesting new study shows that colon cancer patients have a higher survival rate if they were drinking a few cups of coffee a day, compared to non-coffee drinkers. These patients also had a lower rate of the cancer reoccurring later, and lived longer lives.
The study followed 1,000 patients who all recorded their daily food intake and exercise habits. All of the patients had been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, and they all went through both surgery and chemotherapy. However, those who drank at least four cups of coffee a day were 42% less likely to experience a relapse, and 33% less likely to die of cancer.
Drinking 2-3 cups a day had a similar benefit, although the effect was not as strong. Drinking other caffeinated drinks, such as soda, decaffeinated coffee, and tea, did not show the same benefits.
It's hard to say what caused the benefit, and it could easily be something that was not recorded during the study, which did not note how the patients took their coffee (black, with sugar, and/or with cream). Many people believe it could be the antioxidants in coffee, but at this point, we have no way to know.
Until we work it out - enjoy that cup of joe!