Drinking at least one cup of coffee a day is associated with a significant reduction in symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome in women and also appears to reduce the overall risk of this common hormonal disorder.
A new study involving experts from the University of Murcia in Spain examined the link between women's coffee consumption and the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. The results are published in the journal Nutrients.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common metabolic disorders in women and a leading cause of infertility. The team reports that the estimated global prevalence of this widespread hormonal disorder is between five and 15 percent.
In the new study, the researchers examined a total of 121 women with polycystic ovary syndrome and a control group of 155 participants to see how coffee consumption affects the risk of developing the hormonal disorder.
The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome was made by experts based on the presence of two of the following three conditions: hyperandrogenism, oligoanovulation and/or polycystic ovarian morphology.
The frequency of coffee consumption was determined using a validated questionnaire. Coffee consumption was divided into different categories: never, less than one cup per day, one cup per day and two or more cups per day, the researchers report.
Coffee consumption linked to lower risk of PCOS
The team identified a significant trend regarding the effects of coffee consumption. The higher the coffee consumption, the lower the likelihood that the participants suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome in the multivariate analysis, the researchers report.
According to the experts, the results of the study indicate that the consumption of at least one cup of coffee per day in women is inversely associated with the occurrence of polycystic ovary syndrome and can also reduce the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.
According to the researchers, possible mechanisms underlying these effects of coffee consumption on polycystic ovary syndrome could be the improvement of metabolism.
Other health benefits of coffee
An independent study this year, the results of which were published in the journal Neural Regeneration Research, points to further health benefits of coffee consumption.
Lower risk of cardiovascular disease
The experts involved in the study report that coffee consumption not only reduces the risk of premature death, but also the risk of chronic liver and cardiovascular diseases.
Coffee also has a neuroprotective effect and can protect against various neurodegenerative diseases.
Daily coffee enjoyment is healthy
Taken together, the results of the two studies show that regular coffee consumption not only counteracts morning fatigue, but can also reduce the risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome in women and offers many other health benefits. (as)