Does coffee offer health benefits?
Answer by Donald Hensrud, M.D.
While earlier studies hinted that coffee might have a dark side, newer research suggests it may actually have health benefits.
Why the change of mind? It’s difficult to look at just one aspect of diet and connect it to a health condition because so many other factors could play a role. For example, early research on coffee didn’t always take into account that heavy coffee drinkers also tended to use tobacco and be sedentary.
When more recent studies adjusted for those factors, they found a possible association between coffee and decreased mortality. Coffee may offer some protection against:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver disease
- Heart attack and stroke
Coffee still has potential risks, particularly because of its high caffeine content. For example, it can temporarily raise blood pressure. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should be cautious with caffeine. High consumption of boiled, unfiltered coffee has been associated with a slight increase in cholesterol levels.
Bottom line? Your coffee habit is probably fine and may even have some benefits. But if you experience side effects from coffee, such as heartburn, nervousness, or insomnia, consider cutting back.
