Coffee could cut mouth cancer risk

Published On: 20-07-2010

According to research those who enjoy a regular coffee fix are over a third less likely to develop cancer of the mouth or throat than those who do not drink coffee.

Researchers from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City have found evidence to suggest some of the ingredients in coffee can decrease the risks of mouth cancer.

Coffee contains more than 1,000 chemicals, including antioxidants. The study found caffeine was unlikely to be the magic ingredient, as drinking large quantities of tea was found to offer no protection against mouth cancer. Chemicals, cafestol and kahweol, were considered most likely to be the beneficial elements, as they have anti-cancer properties.

Chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Nigel Carter said: ‘Many people enjoy coffee, but often worry about the risks it has for their health, possibly high blood pressure. But this study shows that drinking coffee can actually have beneficial effects.’

Those who drank less than five cups a day are also less likely to be diagnosed with the illness, with their risk of mouth cancer decreasing slightly with each cup they drink.


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