Green tea and coffee might ward off diabetes

April 28, 2006 in Diabetes & Diabetes Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News

Green tea and coffee might ward off diabetes

According to Japanese researchers, consumption of green tea and coffee on a daily basis could lower the risk of diabetes by up to 33 percent, a result that has been linked to the caffeine content of those beverages.

Researchers followed over 17,000 people, between the ages of 40 and 65, in Japan for five years. Data on beverage consumption was gathered using food frequency questionnaires. Researchers focused on the consumption of coffee, black, green and oolong teas.

While no link was found between black and oolong tea, researchers found that after adjusting for such risk factors as age, sex and body mass, people who drank more than six cups of green tea per day had a 33 percent lower risk of diabetes, compared to those who drank less than one cup per week. Three or more cups of coffee per day were linked with a 42 percent lower risk of diabetes.

Researchers found the effects to be more pronounced in women and overweight men.

While these findings suggest a benefit of caffeine consumption, excess caffeine consumption is associated with an increase loss of calcium from bones and sleep disturbances.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.