Why coffee is actually good for us

Coffee, for many of us, is our morning saviour. Many have to have a cup before actually feeling awake; some of us like to take our coffee while reading the morning paper, others while having a morning gossip with colleagues at the office. In recent years, brands such as Morphy Richards have brought the art of gourmet coffee making to our homes by introducing a range of coffee makers that make faithful filter coffee machines appear practically antique.

This has meant that coffee drinking is now much more accessible, and has reinforced the idea that it has truly become a lifestyle. A sleek, attractive coffee machine fits perfectly into our modern kitchens, as well as into our hectic lives as they are so uncomplicated and easy to use. Oh, coffee. How this simple beverage has become such an important part of our daily lives; helping so many of us get through the best part of our day with a smile and genuine enthusiasm. Unfortunately we usually find that the things we enjoy the most in life are not necessarily the best for us – chocolate, alcohol, coffee – moderation is king.

Associated with cardiovascular problems including increased blood pressure or heart rate, excessive coffee consumption can also lead to an addiction to caffeine – its main ingredient - which is a mild addictive stimulant. However, recent studies have revealed that aside from benefiting from the energy-boosting effect of caffeine, by drinking coffee we may also be reaping the health benefits which includes lowering our chances of developing certain types of cancer.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a relationship between increased coffee intake and decreased risk of common skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma. For example, women who drank at least three cups of coffee a day had a lower risk of developing skin cancer than those who drank less than a cup of coffee a month. The same link was also found to exist between women’s consumption of other foods such as soft drinks, chocolate and tea (which also have high levels of caffeine), and the likelihood of them developing this particular strain of cancer.

It is important to remember, however, that coffee is not the only factor in the debate over skin cancer prevention; overexposure to the sun for example can be incredibly damaging to the skin and can ultimately result in cancer. Therefore it is extremely important that you take other precautions. Oh, and if coffee really isn’t your thing…it’s okay, you really don’t have to take up drinking lattes for the sake of protecting yourself against skin cancer; just remember the sunscreen and a hat when you next jet off on your jollies.