Anna Delany
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Research into the impact of coffee on health is overwhelming: in the past few decades over 19,000 studies have been conducted into this little bean! For a while, researchers had coffee and caffeine doomed to the dregs as far as health was concerned, but despite some drawbacks, for many people a moderate amount of coffee may be more helpful than it is harmful.
The table below highlights a selection of some current study findings – the results of these studies are general and more research needs to be done. See the CalorieKing.com article “Caffeine and Your Health” for more detailed information about these health benefits and problems. Discuss any questions with your doctor.
| Health area | Current coffee research | To drink or not to drink? Current thinking: |
| Arteries | Small doses, even as little as one cup of coffee, can cause temporary suffering of the blood vessel walls. | In sensitive individuals, limit caffeine to 100mg a day. |
| Blood Cholesterol | Oil compounds in unfiltered coffee (espresso and cafeteria style) appear to raise cholesterol. | Drinking filtered coffee will not affect blood cholesterol. |
| Cancer | IFIC says claims linking coffee and caffeine to certain cancers are not supported by medical research. | Keep to a healthy, well-balanced diet that may or may not include caffeine. |
| Colon Cancer | Scientists recently discovered the presence of a highly active compound (methylpyridinium) in coffee that may prevent colon cancer. | The anti-cancer compound is found in caffeinated, decaffeinated, and instant brewed coffees. Drink moderate amounts of any of these for the benefits. |
| Diabetes | A recent Harvard study shows 6 cups of coffee a day dramatically reduces risk of Type 2 diabetes, particularly in men. | If you choose to drink coffee, also eat well, exercise, and maintain a healthy weight as these approaches can prevent the onset of Type 2. |
| Fertility | There is very little evidence, but caffeine may affect the time it takes to get pregnant and increase risk of miscarriage or low birth-weight. May also affect sperm motility in men. | Not enough evidence behind these suggestions. But if you have fertility complications, try cutting out caffeine. |
| Gallstones | A comprehensive ten-year Harvard study found that people who drink coffee are at a lower risk for gallstones. | 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee a day may reduce the risk of gallstones by around 40%. |
| High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease | Some studies associate caffeine with increased blood pressure, others say there is only a weak connection. There are few links between caffeine and heart attack or stroke. | If you have an existing problem with high blood pressure – watch your caffeine intake. Keep it under 200mg a day. |
| Liver Disease | A 2004 study found those who drank more caffeine had fewer liver abnormalities. More research is needed. | Limit to 200-250mg of caffeine per day. |
| Osteoporosis | Excess caffeine can increase risk of osteoporosis and fractures. | If calcium intake is above 800mg a day there is little detrimental effect on bone density. |
| Parkinson’s Disease | Studies have shown that coffee consumption can decrease risk of Parkinson’s Disease. However, women who are heavy coffee drinkers and have hormone replacement therapy are one and a half times more likely to develop PD than heavy coffee drinkers who don't have HRT. | 3-4 cups of caffeinated coffee a day may decrease risk, but if you are having HRT talk to your doctor about drinking coffee. |
| Pregnancy | Caffeine does reach the fetus and may disrupt the developing baby’s rest periods. Newborns may experience caffeine withdrawal. | Pregnant women should avoid caffeine. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Research suggests that an ingredient in coffee other than caffeine may contribute to Rheumatoid Arthritis. | Four cups daily may increase risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis by 50%. |
| Stress | Caffeine is a stimulant. It increases heart rate, adrenaline, and stress levels. | If you’re anxiety levels are up, keep your caffeine intake down. |
This article was compiled in consultation with CalorieKing.com experts and in reference to the following sources:
Daniel S W Tan, 'Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus’, Lancet, Volume 361: Issue 9358, pg 702
E.W. Karlson et al., 'Coffee Consumption and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis', Arthritis Rheum, Nov 2003, 48 (11), pp 3055-60
Eduardo Salazar-Martinez, MD, PhD et al., 'Coffee Consumption and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus', Annals of Internal Medicine, January 2004, 140 (1), pp 1-8
T. Lloyd et al., 'Bone Status among Postmenopausal Women with Different Habitual Caffeine Intakes: A Longitudinal Investigation', American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1997, Volume 65, pp 1826-1830
Last updated: May 4th, 2006
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