Drinking a lot of coffee may reduce the risk of lethal and advanced prostate cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers found that men who drank the most coffee had a 60 percent lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer than men who did not drink any coffee. This is the first study of its kind to look at both overall risk of prostate cancer and risk of localized, advanced and lethal disease.

"Coffee has effects on insulin and glucose metabolism as well as sex hormone levels, all of which play a role in prostate cancer," said researcher Dr Kathryn Wilson.

Wilson notes that caffeine is not believed to be the protective substance in coffee, which also contains biologically active compounds like antioxidants and minerals.

Recent research has suggested a vegetable-rich diet and pomegranate juice may lower the risk of prostate cancer due to their antioxidant power.

Other studies have linked omega-3 fatty acids and soy to better prostate health.

Nutritional supplements that are routinely recommended to aid in prostate health include vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and lycopene.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide after lung cancer, killing 254,000 men a year. It is most common in men over the age of 65.