WASHINGTON: Long viewed as a controversial dark substance, coffee is gaining ground among medical experts who say it can protect against heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, even if it is decaffeinated.

Multiple studies published worldwide in recent years have concluded that coffee can be good for the health.

In February, the US government issued new dietary guidelines, as it does every five years.

But this year’s recommendations said for the first time that coffee is not generally harmful, even multiple cups per day.

“We looked at all the science”, said Miriam Nelson, a professor in the School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and a member of the committee that wrote the guidelines.

“We have found no negative, adverse effects on health when you drink up to three to five cups a day,” she said.

“In fact, there is a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and a couple of cancers,” including breast and prostate cancer, she said.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2015

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