By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.
In an 11 year study at the University of Minnesota, drinking coffee cut women’s risk of developing diabetes – especially those who drank decaffeinated coffee. Data on 29,00 women whose age, physical activity, smoking, body mass index, consumption of certain foods and beverages were considered, found those who drank more than 6 cups of regular coffee daily were 22% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and those who drank decaffeinated coffee were 33% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Interestingly, caffeine was not the determining factor but a powerful antioxidant chemical component similar to those found in berries and grapes. A component, chlorogesic acid, seems to slow the absorption of sugar by cells. This component is also available in red wine and chocolate.
