Coffee consumption has various impacts on health, with a significant body of research indicating both positive and negative effects.
- Cardiovascular Health and Mortality: Regular coffee consumption is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular death and various adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke. It appears to be neutral regarding arrhythmias and hypertension. Habitual intake of 3 to 4 cups of coffee daily is generally safe and associated with the most robust beneficial effects. However, it can increase the risk of fracture in women and, when consumed during pregnancy, may increase the risk of low birth weight and preterm labor (OโKeefe, DiNicolantonio, & Lavie, 2018).
- Liver Disease: Coffee consumption is linked with improved liver enzyme levels, particularly among alcohol drinkers, and may protect against liver cell damage due to alcohol. Chronic coffee intake may also reduce the risk of progression to cirrhosis, lower mortality rates in cirrhosis patients, and decrease the rate of hepatocellular carcinoma development (Tanaka et al., 1998); (Saab, Mallam, Cox, & Tong, 2014).
- Neurodegenerative Diseases and Depression: Coffee shows protective effects against some neurodegenerative diseases and is linked with improved asthma control. It may also have antidepressant effects due to compounds like caffeine (OโKeefe, DiNicolantonio, & Lavie, 2013); (Tenore et al., 2015).
- Other Health Outcomes: Coffee may help prevent type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. It is also associated with improved levels of glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. However, high doses can cause anxiety, insomnia, calcium loss, and possibly increase the risk of fractures (Higdon & Frei, 2006).
In conclusion, moderate coffee consumption generally appears to offer more health benefits than risks, particularly in reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. However, the potential risks, especially related to its caffeine content, should be considered, particularly for specific populations like pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions.
