Compounds in coffee could help to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, study shows

Just when we thought coffee couldn’t get better

Coffee is a crucial part of many of our daily routines. Now, new research has given us another reason to fill up our mugs.

The only thing to get us out of bed on some freezing winter mornings, coffee really is one of life’s great luxuries.

Apart from warming and energising us, our daily roast has also been linked to improved heart and brain health, boosting mood, as well as a reduced risk of depression and liver disease.

The list of benefits just keeps on growing, with a new study suggesting black coffee could lower our risk of type 2 diabetes.

According to Diabetes Australia, close to 1.9 million Australians live with diabetes, almost 1.3 million of whom have type 2.

The condition is caused by high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, and genetics, weight, activity level, a high sugar diet and some disorders can increase people’s risk of developing it. 

Researchers from Korea pulled together data from close to 150 publications to see if coffee had an effect on the development of type 2 diabetes. They focused on the brew’s effect on our pancreas, liver, small intestines, muscle and tissue.

Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Image: Getty

What are polyphenols? 

Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Regular intake has been linked to improved digestion, and brain and heart health, and the research team believed these phytonutrients could be behind coffee’s potential for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

After their analysis, the scientists suggested that our daily long blacks can help to modulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, provide antioxidant properties and boost the metabolism of glucose.

According to the findings, decaf drinkers could reap the same rewards. Image: iStock

Decaf could provide the same perks

And it’s not just full-strength coffee providing benefits either. 

According to the findings, decaf drinkers could reap the same rewards.

People who drank coffee regularly had a 20 to 30 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of caffeine content.

But just the thought of five coffees a day conjures up images of an impending panic attack and scattered thoughts for many of us.

The researchers concluded that “coffee and its bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid and its hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives… have significant potential in the prevention and management of [type 2 diabetes]”.

They found that three to five black coffees daily was the ideal amount to consume to benefit from these perks.

But just the thought of five coffees a day conjures up images of an impending panic attack and scattered thoughts for many of us, and consuming too much caffeine can induce headaches, nausea, insomnia, and the shakes, so don’t push yourself to down short blacks all day solely to reduce your diabetes risk. 

The team said more research into the health effects of coffee is needed, but if your desk is never without a full mug and you’re looking for a reason to maintain your five a day, this could be it.

Originally published as Compounds in coffee could help to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, study shows