Coffee - a beverage with many potential benefits.

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide . Many people believe that coffee contains stimulants that can affect thyroid function. In reality, it is a beverage with many potential benefits.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages - Photo: Getty

Many potential health benefits from coffee.

According to MSc. Nguyen Xuan Hien from the Oncology Center ( Hanoi Medical University Hospital), coffee contains many compounds with special biological effects, including caffeine, a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, which can help reduce inflammation.

Recent studies have also highlighted the role of several naturally occurring diterpenes in coffee, such as cafestol and kahweol, which may have inhibitory effects at various stages of cancer development, including preventing tumor initiation, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, and preventing tumor metastasis.

Based on the beneficial effects of these substances, numerous studies have explored the potential benefits of coffee.

The antioxidants in coffee may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thus reducing the risk of cancer. Additionally, components of coffee have been shown to reduce inflammation, which is linked to the development of many chronic diseases.

Caffeine in coffee also helps boost metabolism and increase fat burning, which may indirectly affect cancer risk through its impact on weight and insulin sensitivity.

Moderate coffee consumption is generally considered safe for most people and may offer some health benefits - Illustration.

Does coffee affect thyroid function?

According to Dr. Hien, research on the relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of thyroid cancer has yielded varying results.

Some studies suggest that coffee consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of thyroid cancer. A 2020 meta-analysis of 10 studies with 379,825 participants found that moderate coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of thyroid cancer.

This study also indicated a correlation between coffee consumption and response levels; specifically, the risk of developing thyroid cancer decreased by 5% for every additional cup of coffee consumed per day.

However, other studies have found no significant link between coffee consumption and thyroid cancer risk, suggesting that coffee consumption neither increases nor decreases the risk.

Another meta-analysis of 1,039 thyroid cancer cases and 220,816 control cases identified from 7 studies showed no significant association between coffee consumption and thyroid cancer risk.

This can be explained by the fact that the relationship between coffee and thyroid cancer risk may be influenced by several confounding factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and overall diet.

MSc Nguyen Xuan Hien added that a study of over 30,000 volunteers followed for 5 years showed that drinking less than 2 cups of coffee per day helps reduce the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism, and drinking 2-4 cups of coffee reduces serum TSH levels.

Furthermore, coffee consumption is not associated with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or with any impact on thyroid function.

"Although the scientific evidence is not yet conclusive, most studies do not show that coffee increases the risk or has a negative impact on thyroid cancer."

"Coffee consumption still offers mental benefits and is a favorite pastime for many, so please consult your doctor for advice to make informed decisions about your coffee intake," Dr. Hien emphasized.

How to use coffee safely?

Moderate coffee consumption (3-4 cups per day) is generally considered safe for most people, potentially offering some health benefits without significantly impacting thyroid cancer risk or overall health.

In addition, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding known risk factors for thyroid cancer (such as radiation exposure) are important for preventing thyroid cancer.

Maintaining a schedule of regular health checkups is a way to monitor your health and detect diseases early, including thyroid cancer.

When experiencing specific health problems or concerns about thyroid cancer, it is advisable to consult with specialists for personalized, specific, and accurate advice regarding coffee consumption and other lifestyle factors.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ca-phe-thuc-uong-nhieu-loi-ich-tiem-nang-20241112185549264.htm