Some Truths About Coffee

How much do we know about coffee, the most preferred and beloved beverage worldwide?

Among people, there is a widespread perspective that if something is loved or tastes good, it must be harmful to health. This is similar to the belief that things with less appealing taste or those not preferred by many may be beneficial to health. Of course, numerous exceptions can be cited for such situations, and coffee is among these exceptions.

Coffee is a mixture of over a thousand chemicals. You may have noticed differences between the coffee you order from a coffee shop and the one you make at home. Factors that define the coffee made include the type of coffee beans used, how they are roasted, the amount of grinding, and the brewing method. The taste variation in the coffee we consume at different places also stems from these factors. The impact of coffee on individuals varies from person to person and depends on the quantity consumed. The negative effects of caffeine intake in low to moderate doses (50-300 mg), such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and increased heart rate, are well-known to almost everyone. However, coffee also has many unknown positive effects.

For example, coffee can influence the development of a cancer cell from initiation to death. For instance, it can stimulate the production of bile acids and accelerate digestion through the colon, reducing the amount of carcinogens under the control of colon tissue. The effect of coffee on cancer has been demonstrated in animal studies, where it was found to prevent the growth of cancer cells.

Another effect of coffee is observed in type 2 diabetes. Minerals in coffee, such as polyphenols and magnesium, may enhance insulin and glucose metabolism in the body. Although caffeine can increase blood sugar in the short term, long-term coffee consumption has been shown to lower the risk of developing diabetes compared to those who do not consume coffee.

Another example can be given through a study published in the journal Heart. The study suggests that consuming 3-5 cups of coffee per day may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, as well as decrease plaque buildup in the arteries and lower the risk of heart attacks.

In conclusion, despite common beliefs, drinking coffee has positive effects. However, the most influential factor in the impact of coffee consumption on our health is the quantity consumed. Similar to the saying "too much of anything is harmful" that we use for every topic, it is important not to overlook the negative effects of coffee while considering its positive effects on our health. Therefore, making decisions about coffee consumption and the quantity consumed, taking into account our own health, is the best approach.

References:

Harvard T.H. CHAN/The Nutrition Source/Coffee/

Harvard T.H. CHAN/Coffee can be beneficial part of a healthy diet/

Harvard T.H. CHAN/Is coffee good or bad for your health?/

South Florida Vascular Associates/Blog/ Did you know that drinking coffee can reduce the risk of clogged arteries?

Harvard Medical School/Harvard Health Blog/Health benefits of coffee and a proposed warning label