It seems coffee has more benefits than one would think. According to two new studies, drinking several cups of coffee daily can lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).

While its contribution to reducing the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer and Parkinson’s is already known, scientists now found that people who do not drink coffee at all have a 1.5 higher probability of developing MS in comparison to those who consume several cups daily.

It is estimated that there are more than 2.5 million people worldwide suffering from multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the central nervous system leading to the degeneration of the layer (called myelin) that protest the nerves. This causes a series of symptoms, depending on which area of the central system is affected most. Those suffering from MS might experience fatigue, sight and walking difficulties.

Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40 years old, with a sex ration of 3:1.

The researchers used data from two studies, one conducted in Sweden and the other in the U.S. There were a total of 2,788 individuals suffering from MS and 4,000 healthy participants. The findings in both studies showed that participants who drank coffee on a regular basis were less prone to developing MS. The Swedish study observed that the participants who did not drink coffee had a 1.5 higher chance of getting this condition in comparison to those who drank a minimum of six cups in the year prior to the symptoms’ debut. Consuming large amounts of coffee five or 10 years before symptoms started offered a similar protection.

The U.S. study obtained similar results but with a minimum of 4 cups of coffee daily.

The team presented their findings in Washington DC at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting.

A member of the charity MS Society, Dr. Sorrel Bickley feels it is necessary to obtain more data regarding how environmental factors influence the development of such a condition.  He wanted the public to keep in mind that:

“The overall risk of developing MS is low, so we would urge people not to worry about making changes to their diet and lifestyle based on these results alone.”

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