tracy6413
New member
Drinking coffee can reduce the chances of getting skin cancer - because the caffeine acts as a UV "sunscreen".
Previous research has shown that having more than six cups of coffee a day can lower the risk of developing the disease by 35 per cent.
And now scientists believe they have discovered why.
Tests on laboratory mice suggest the caffeine directly absorbs the ultra-violet light which causes skin cancer and destroys damaged cells.
The researchers from Washington University in Seattle believe their study could lead to the development of suncream made from coffee.
Dr Masaoki Kawasumi said: "Combined with the extensive epidemiological data linking caffeine intake with decreased skin cancer development, these findings suggest the possibility that topical caffeine application could be useful in preventing UV-induced skin cancers."
Cases of skin cancer in the UK have quadrupled for men and tripled for women over the past 25 years.
Previous research has also shown that coffee can reduce the risks of breast and prostate cancer.
Previous research has shown that having more than six cups of coffee a day can lower the risk of developing the disease by 35 per cent.
And now scientists believe they have discovered why.
Tests on laboratory mice suggest the caffeine directly absorbs the ultra-violet light which causes skin cancer and destroys damaged cells.
The researchers from Washington University in Seattle believe their study could lead to the development of suncream made from coffee.
Dr Masaoki Kawasumi said: "Combined with the extensive epidemiological data linking caffeine intake with decreased skin cancer development, these findings suggest the possibility that topical caffeine application could be useful in preventing UV-induced skin cancers."
Cases of skin cancer in the UK have quadrupled for men and tripled for women over the past 25 years.
Previous research has also shown that coffee can reduce the risks of breast and prostate cancer.
