We all read different reports on the possible health benefits of coffee but did you know coffee may reduce DNA damage? This exciting news for those who love to start their day with a “Cup of Joe.” And, guess what DNA damage does? It leads to premature or accelerated aging.
What is DNA?
DNA is short for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA contains our genetic information It represents our heredity material in all of our cells. DNA contains the instructions that every organism – not just humans – needs to grow, develop, and reproduce. For a more detailed explanation of DNA see this link.
When DNA is damaged our risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic diseases and conditions go up.
So you definitely want to protect your DNA as much as possible. A healthy diet goes a long way and is probably the most important influence that affects the integrity of our DNA.
Coffee: Reverse DNA Damage
This study published in 2018 reported that consumption of dark roast coffee was associated with a reduction in DNA damage of 23%. In the study participants consumed 500 milliliters or about 4 cups of coffee daily and compared to a control group.
At the end of the study DNA damaged was measured. It was also measured before the study. The coffee group showed 23% less DNA damage even though their pre-study DNA damage was 16% higher than the control group.
The results varied between men and women. There was 26% less DNA damage in women and 20% less DNA damage among men.
It was once believed that coffee consumption led to stiffness of the arteries which is not a desirable outcome as it would lead to an increase in high blood pressure and heart diseases. . A British study was designed to look at this and showed that coffee does not lead to arterial stiffeness even in those who consume 3 or more cups of coffee a day.
We have written about the health benefits of coffee before. We keep learning new things about the health benefits of coffee and how it seems to improve health.
So drink up!
