Drinking coffee linked to lower risk of rosacea - study

Who doesn't love a study that validates one of our biggest vices?

Whether it is an iced latte, a long black, or a mug of instant - many of us have an emotional attachment to coffee. Now there's welcome news that it may be beneficial to your skin.

The latest issue of JAMA Dermatology journal has printed the findings of a study that drinking coffee might have a positive effect on those suffering from rosacea, the nasty red flush that can spread across one's nose and cheeks.

The Nurses' Health Study II of more than 82,000 participants found that higher caffeine intake was associated with lower risk of the skin condition. 

"Overall, participants who drank four cups of coffee per day were less likely to develop rosacea compared with participants who did not drink coffee", the study read. 

Caffeine isn't just found in coffee, however. The study was done using coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and chocolate. 

The authors hypothesised that caffeine's "vasoconstrictive and immune suppressive effects" might decrease the risk of rosacea. In layman's terms, that means that as caffeine narrows blood vessels, less blood rushes through and therefore there's less flush to your face. 

Decaffeinated coffee wasn't associated with decreased rosacea risk in the study. 

Coffee's health benefits have long been debated. Last year, a study found that those who drank three - four cups of coffee a day are more likely to see health benefits - including a lower risk of premature death and heart disease - than those who abstain.

Earlier this year, another study found that drinking multiple cups of coffee a day may speed your metabolism. 

Newshub.