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Coffee is GOOD for Cancer Survivors?
Coffee is good for cancer survivors? Who knew? It is shocking to read that coffee is beneficial in so many ways. And when I say cancer survivors I’m talking about myeloma survivors in particular.
Cancer patients, all cancer patients, often look for beneficial nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle therapies to help them manage their cancer.
I admit that I was surprised to find that my conventional therapies caused so much damage- so many adverse events.
Adverse events such as:
- Chemo brain
- Fatigue
- Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy
- Treatment-related secondary cancers
- Depression and mental health
When I was first diagnosed with MM, it was generally understood that coffee was bad for you. So I gave up my morning coffee ritual. Jump ahead a dozen years or so and studies supporting coffee’s health benefits begin to pepper the internet.
At the same time, long-term and late stage side effects begin to hit me- nerve damage, heart problems, fear of relapse, etc. etc.
I’m not saying that coffee will make all my treatment-related side effects go away. But I am saying that my morning ritual of 2-3 cups of strong, black coffee help me manage many of them.
Are you a myeloma survivor? Are you looking for therapies to help you manage your side effects? Remember that Coffee is good for cancer survivors.
Email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com
Thank you,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
All the reasons a cup of coffee really can be good for you
“Consuming too much caffeine is definitely bad for your health, and there may be good reasons why some people want to quit it altogether. But if you despair at the idea of giving up your morning coffee, fear not… (because Coffee is good for cancer survivors)
For a start, coffee contains several essential nutrients beneficial to overall health. A typical eight-ounce cup of coffee provides small amounts of
- B vitamins—riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamine and niacin—
- as well as minerals potassium, manganese, and magnesium.
The nutrients in coffee can contribute significantly to daily intake when multiple cups are consumed…
It’s also rich in antioxidants. In fact, many people—especially in the west—will probably get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruit and vegetables.
So what does drinking coffee actually mean for the body? One of the most well-known potential benefits of coffee is its ability to boost energy levels and improve mental alertness, especially first thing in the morning or during an afternoon slump…
Chronic diseases
In the long term, moderate coffee consumption can help reduce your risk of developing a host of chronic diseases.
1. Cardiovascular diseases
Moderate coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies indicate that drinking one to two cups of coffee daily may lower the risk of heart failure. Additionally, coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality and disease. Interestingly, even when someone has abnormal heart rhythms, coffee is not harmfulaccording to recent data.
2. Type 2 diabetes
Coffee may enhance the body’s ability to process glucose, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that people who consume more coffee have a lower likelihood of developing this condition.
3. Liver diseases
Coffee seems to help protect the liver. Both regular and decaffeinated coffee have been associated with healthier liver enzyme levels, and coffee drinkers have a significantly lower riskof liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
4. Cancer
Coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of several other types of cancer, including colorectal and womb cancers. A systematic review found that high coffee consumption is associated with an 18% lower risk of cancer.
5. Neurodegenerative diseases
Caffeine is associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and may help those with the condition manage their movements better. Additionally, coffee consumption may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Mental health
As if the physical benefits aren’t enough, coffee has also been shown to have positive effects on mental health. Studies suggest that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of depression, with some findings indicating a 20% reduced risk of becoming depressed.
What’s more, coffee consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of suicide. Research has found that people who drink four or more cups a day are 53% less likely to commit suicide.
Lifespan
With all these benefits, it’s not surprising that research suggeststhat coffee drinkers tend to live longer than non-drinkers. A large study involving over 400,000 people found that coffee consumption over a period of 12 to 13 years was linked to a lower risk of death—with the strongest effect observed at four to five cups per day.
This longevity benefit could be due to the cumulative effects of coffee’s protective properties against various diseases…
Moderation required
While coffee offers numerous health benefits, it is essential to consume it in moderation. It’s also advisable to limit added sugars and creams to avoid unnecessary calorie intake.
Excessive caffeine intake can lead to negative side effects such as jitteriness, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Some people who are especially sensitive to caffeine may need to limit their coffee intake or avoid it altogether, as even decaffeinated coffeecontains caffeine.
As with any dietary component, balance is key. By understanding the potential benefits and limitations of coffee, people can make informed decisions about incorporating it into their daily routine.”