Coffee and cancer

There has been some controversy and confusion over the years as to whether or not coffee causes cancer. A recent review of research by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), concluded that “there is no conclusive evidence for carcinogenic effect of drinking coffee.” This seems to correlate with increasing evidence that the antioxidants in coffee actually lower the risk of colorectal cancer, and improve the function of damaged livers.

On the other hand, scientists discovered a related culprit: hot beverages. There is “limited evidence from epidemiological studies that showed positive associations between cancer of the oesophagus and drinking very hot beverages.”

In other words, we Pacific Northwest coffee lovers can continue to enjoy our daily brews, but refrain from drinking it too hot!