Coffee can reduce liver cancer

DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH: Coffee Fights Risk of Liver Cancer

Drinking coffee significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer, according to a study just published in Japan. A research team led by Ichiro Tsuji at Tohoku University found the chances of developing liver cancer were significantly lower among coffee drinkers versus non-drinkers, and that the protection is higher in those who drink a cup or more daily.

Halving Risk

Using a base figure of 1 for non-coffee drinkers, those who consumed one or more cups a day had a risk level of 0.58, while those who drank less than one cup exhibited a level of 0.71. That means drinking one or more cups of coffee a day reduces one’s chance of developing liver cancer by almost half, while coffee drinking in smaller quantities cuts the risk by about a third.

The study examined the habits of 61,000 adults aged 40+ over a period of seven to nine years. Demographics and behaviors were tracked, with allowances made for factors such as sex, age and habits. The findings were consistent across the group despite these variables, isolating coffee drinking as the cause of the protective effect.

Chlorogenic Acid

While Tsuji has yet to pinpoint the substance in coffee that appears to ward off the development of cancer, chlorogenic acid – a powerful antioxidant present in coffee beans – has been shown in animal studies to cut cancer risk. Chlorogenic acid has also been shown to help lower the risk of cirrhosis in humans. The risk of liver cancer, in fact, increases in people who have suffered such liver ailments in the past.

In past studies, the protective effect of coffee on cirrhosis is well documented. Coffee has been shown to protect the liver in those at higher risk of liver damage, such as those suffering from diabetes or viral hepatitis. Among subjects with these risk factors, two or more cups of coffee a day cut liver damage in half. The greater the consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages, the lower the risk for liver injury, even adjusting for other risk factors such as age and smoking.

Colorectal Cancer

Coffee has also been shown in previous studies to provide strong protection against colorectal and other cancers. A compound found almost exclusively in coffee and coffee products, methylpyridinium, has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Clinical studies demonstrated, in fact, that decaffeinated coffee also delivered the protection, while decaffeinated tea provided no benefit whatsoever.

The On Going Rip-Off of Krispy Kreme

How not to run a business

Krispy Kreme to pay turnaround team $400K per month

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Feb. 10) - Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc., based here, agreed to pay turnaround firm Kroll Zolfo Cooper LLC $400,000 per month to help return the operator and franchisor of 401 doughnut-and-coffee restaurants to profitability, the company disclosed in a filing with securities regulators.The monthly payment includes the previously reported hourly wages for Kroll Zolfo Cooper's executives Stephen F. Cooper and Steven G. Panagos, who last month were named Krispy Kreme's chief executive and president and chief operating officer, respectively. Cooper will be paid $760 per hour, and Panagos will be paid $695 per hour. Krispy Kreme also is responsible for payment of out-of-pocket expenses and a $200,000 security retainer, according to the Thursday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, a "success fee" for Kroll Zolfo Cooper is under negotiation and will be determined within 60 days.