NEW YORK – The National Coffee Association welcomed the positive reclassification of coffee by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – an official body of both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations.
The experts concluded coffee could no longer be classified as a possible carcinogen – and the WHO body says there is evidence that coffee drinking actually lowers the risk of developing specific cancers.
The finding is the first time a foodstuff or beverage has ever been positively reclassified by top scientists from all over the world who met in special session in France.
“The World Health Organization’s IARC finding is great news and highly significant for coffee drinkers and confirms evidence from an avalanche of studies by highly respected and independent scientists,” said National Coffee Association (NCA) President Bill Murray.
IARC considered all the science and concluded that regular coffee consumption could reduce the risk of liver cancer and a cancer in the lining of the uterus.
“Separate analysis, from Harvard University amongst others, that followed millions of people suggests that coffee drinkers live longer than non coffee drinkers. In fact, research suggests this amazing beverage may actually help lower the risk of many different cancers and drinking between one and five cups a day is associated with lower rates of heart disease, neurological disorders and liver disease.”
Murray pointed out that the more than 130 million Americans who drink coffee every day can now do so with increased confidence.
“Coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the US diet. Studies show coffee drinkers live longer. Studies show coffee drinkers are more alert. Studies show coffee drinkers perform better at sports,” said Murray. “Coffee drinkers have known for a long time that their go-to beverage is a super food. Today we can brew or buy a cup with even more confidence thanks to science.”
