Studies have shown that daily intake of coffee reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and this has been affirmed by experts.
Dr Kemi Odukoya, a Public Health Specialist, explained that recent studies has brought into cognizance numerous benefit associated with coffee among which is the reduction of the risk of having Type 2 diabetes.
She made this known while speaking at a Nutrition Lecture organised by Ignite in collaboration with the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on Wednesday.
She noted that a study conducted in United Kingdom in 2003 found out that coffee drinking had an effect on two hormones in the body that control insulin secretion, adding that this suggest the mechanism behind the reduction of the risk of Diabetes 2.
“In Scandinavian countries where consumption is higher than in the rest of Europe, cohort studies conducted indicated that coffee has a protective effect”
Dr Odukoya also noted that a study conducted in Finland concluded that coffee drinking has a graded inverse association with the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; however the reasons for this risk reduction associated with coffee remains unclear’.
She however warned that coffee should be moderately taken noting that more than 5 cups of coffee a day is considered as substance abuse.
“Outside moderate level, you won’t get the health benefit of coffee. Moderation is key to consumption of coffee”
Dr Odukoya also said that tolerance to caffeine should be checked. “If your tolerance to caffeine is low, you can take decaffeinated coffee. You can also benefit from decaffeinated coffee even though at a minimal level.”
