Coffee consumption – Does it help us or hurt us?!

Today’s society requires us to work longer and harder than ever before. As such, coffee sales across the globe (including both developed and developing countries) are on a continuous rise. Despite the exponential increase in the consumption of this beverage (now second in the world only to water), the question remains as to its effects on health. Do we see actual benefits from drinking coffee other than having the ability to stay awake for a few more hours?

A review paper published by Butt and Sultan in 2011 discussed the answer to this question by approaching the literature to distinguish the benefits and risks of drinking coffee as it relates to our overall health. Typically, coffee is consumed for its stimulatory effects on the brain (caused by certain processes referred to as “phytochemistry”), but the chemicals are also capable of influencing other parts of our body.

From the wealth of studies that have been conducted in the area of coffee and health, overall conclusions have summarised that coffee:

• Has strong antioxidants (protective organs against cancers and inflammation);
• Has been shown to be effective in protecting against diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (two leading causes of death after cancer);
• Is correlated with a reduced incidence of Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s; and
• Demonstrates protective effects over DNA damage that could lead to a host of genetic disorders

On the other hand, many researchers have argued that the regular consumption of coffee can lead to increased risk for a number of health concerns including:

• Interactions with certain medications, particular those used for cardiovascular disorders and postmenopausal problems;
• Elevated risk for breast and prostate cancers; and
• Increased incidence of arthritis and osteoporosis

As usual, research appears to be inconclusive as to whether consuming coffee is beneficial or troublesome for our body. Exposure limits for adults have been set to approximately 400-500 milligrams per day of caffeine (this would equate to approximately 4-5 cups per day). Obvious exceptions include children and pregnant women; however, postmenopausal women have also been cautioned against consuming such amounts.

Researchers argue that intake of 2-3 cups of coffee daily is strongly associated with improved cognitive functioning, heightened sensation, and better digestion. Moreover, the same intake could be effective protection against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, various cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.

Conversely, overconsumption of coffee is strongly related to insomnia, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers (including breast and prostate). Studies have also demonstrated that drinking decaffeinated coffee results in even fewer risks than caffeinated coffee.

Overall, coffee-drinkers – do not fear: it is strongly supported that having 2-3 cups of coffee per day leads to some elaborate health improvements. As with all things, however, overconsumption will lead to detrimental effects to your body and mind.