Exploring the Wellness Aspects of Coffee: Diabetes Management, Cardiovascular Protection, Liver Cancer Prevention, and Beyond
In certain instances, coffee can potentially be beneficial for one's health, offering advantages such as lowering the chances of developing type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss.
According to global estimates, individuals consume approximately 2.25 billion cups of coffee daily. Studies have examined the benefits of drinking coffee for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease. While some claims have supporting evidence, others do not.
Coffee contains various beneficial nutrients, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), magnesium, potassium, and several antioxidants. Some experts believe that these and other components in coffee can positively impact the human body in various ways.
This article explores the potential health benefits of drinking coffee, the evidence backing these benefits, and the potential risks associated with coffee consumption.
Health benefits of drinking coffee
Possible health advantages of drinking coffee include shielding against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, and liver cancer. Coffee consumption may also contribute to cardiovascular health.
The following sections delve deeper into these benefits.
Coffee and diabetes
Coffee may help combat type 2 diabetes.
In 2014, a study involving over 48,000 individuals discovered that those who increased their coffee intake by at least one cup per day over a four-year period had a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes by 11% compared to those who did not increase their consumption.
A review concluded that people who consumed four to six cups of either caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee daily seemed to have a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes.
Coffee and Parkinson's disease
Numerous studies have suggested that caffeine – present in coffee and many other beverages – may aid in protecting against Parkinson's disease.
One team suggested that men who consume over four cups of coffee daily may have a fivefold lower risk of Parkinson's disease than those who do not.
The results of another study indicated a link between coffee consumption and a lower risk of Parkinson's disease, even among smokers. This team also found that coffee drinkers may be less likely to experience depression and cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
However, there was not sufficient evidence to prove that drinking decaffeinated coffee prevents Parkinson's disease.
Coffee and chronic liver disease or cancer
A 2019 study concluded that coffee intake likely reduces the risk of liver cancer.
An earlier cohort study from 2015 suggested that consuming two to three cups of coffee daily reduced the participants' risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic liver disease (CLD) by 20% and 15%, respectively.
The study also concluded that consuming any type of coffee appears to lower the risk of liver cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis. These findings have been further supported by a 2021 study suggesting that consuming all types of coffee may offer some protection against CLD.
Coffee and other liver diseases
People who drink coffee may also have a lower risk of gallstone disease.
A 2014 study examining coffee consumption among individuals with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) – autoimmune conditions affecting the liver's bile ducts – found that people with PSC were 33% less likely to have a high coffee intake compared to those without the condition. There was no evidence to suggest a difference in coffee intake between those with and without PBC.
Another 2014 study suggested a link between coffee consumption and a lower risk of dying from nonviral hepatitis-related cirrhosis. The researchers suggested that consuming two or more cups of coffee daily might reduce the risk by 22%.
Coffee and heart health
A 2018 study found that drinking three to five cups of coffee daily may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 15%. Consuming one to five cups daily was also associated with lower overall mortality due to any cause.
For individuals who have already experienced a heart attack, drinking coffee does not appear to increase their risk of experiencing another or dying as a result.
The 2017 meta-analysis, however, also found that there may be higher levels of blood lipids and cholesterol in people who consume more coffee. These substances may predispose an individual to heart problems.
Does decaffeinated coffee have benefits or risks? Learn more here.
Coffee and obesity
There is evidence suggesting that consuming coffee may aid in weight loss. One study suggested that the more coffee the participants drank, the higher their mean reduction in weight, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass.
Another study suggested that drinking coffee may have a modest association with weight loss, with a stronger association in men than in women. However, these results have not been consistently replicated, so they may not be definitive.
While coffee may offer some benefits in reducing obesity, it should not be considered a replacement for a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Coffee beans contain antioxidants known as polyphenols. These antioxidants can aid in safeguarding the body against harm caused by free radicals. Free radicals are harmful byproducts generated naturally in the body as a consequence of specific processes.
Free radicals function like toxins within the body and may lead to inflammation. Researchers have discovered connections between inflammation and certain aspects of metabolic syndrome, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
In 2018, research suggested that the antioxidant content of coffee could provide protection against metabolic syndrome.
Coffee
Despite the fact that scientists can confirm the presence of certain compounds in coffee beans, it remains unclear what happens to them after they enter the human body.
Risks
Consuming excessive amounts of coffee can also have various side effects. These may include:
Fractures
Some studies suggest that women who drink a lot of coffee may have a higher risk of fractures.
Men with high coffee intake, however, seem to have a slightly lower risk.
Pregnancy complications
Coffee may decrease the risk of mortality from heart disease and cancer, specifically in women.Coffee may also decrease the risk of respiratory mortality, specifically in men.Women who drink only coffee or up to tea may have the lowest overall mortality from various conditions, but those who drink higher percentages of tea may have a higher mortality risk.
Coffee consumption during pregnancy may not be entirely safe. In fact, there is evidence to suggest a link between high coffee consumption and pregnancy loss, low birth weight, and preterm birth.
Endometriosis
There may be a higher risk of endometriosis among women who drink coffee, but there is not enough evidence to confirm such a link.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
People who drink a lot of coffee may have a slightly higher risk of this condition.
Anxiety
Consuming high amounts of caffeine may cause anxiety, especially among people with panic disorder or social anxiety disorder. Less commonly, caffeine may trigger mania and psychosis in those who are susceptible.
Mental health conditions
One study concluded that a high intake of caffeine during adolescence could lead to permanent changes in the brain.
The researchers behind the study expressed concern that this could increase the risk of anxiety-related conditions in adulthood.
Exposure to toxic ingredients
In 2015, a group of researchers found relatively high levels of mycotoxins in commercial coffee. Mycotoxins are toxic substances that can contaminate coffee as a natural product.
Some people also worry about acrylamide, which is another chemical present in coffee.
Side effects
Tea
Although consuming caffeine may offer some benefits, there can be negative side effects if a person drinks too much of it. These side effects may include:
- adverse interactions with certain medications, such as certain psychiatric drugs, thyroid medications, heartburn drugs, and antibiotics
- possible spinal bone loss in women who drink more than 300 milligrams (mg) per day and do not consume enough calcium
- gastrointestinal problems
- an increase in blood pressure
- an increase in the risk of myocardial ischemia, which is a type of heart disease, if a person consumes coffee during exercise
- negative effects on a growing fetus, such as low birth weight, if a person consumes a large amount of coffee during pregnancy
- irritability and insomnia in nursing infants, if a person consumes coffee during lactation
- dehydration, but this is not conclusive and may be due to excessive caffeine consumption
- worsened symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- an increased risk of suicide
- caffeine-related disorders, which include caffeine intoxication (or overdose), caffeine-induced anxiety disorder, caffeine-induced sleep disorder (or insomnia), and caffeine-related disorder not otherwise specified.
Coffee vs. tea
Both coffee and tea contain caffeine, so they may have some of the same benefits, risks, and side effects.
However, an 8-oz cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, while a similar-sized cup of black and green tea contains only 48 mg and 29 mg of caffeine, respectively.
There may be some differences in the way that drinking tea and coffee may impact different people, depending on which beverage they prefer and how much of it they consume.
According to a 2018 study that compared the positive effects of coffee and tea consumption, the differences in benefits are as follows:
Tea may decrease the risk of mortality from heart disease and cancer, specifically in men.Also, men who drink 30–50% tea may have the lowest mortality risk compared with those who only drink coffee.
| Type | Benefit || --- | --- || Coffee | Coffee may decrease the risk of mortality from heart disease and cancer, specifically in women.Coffee may also decrease the risk of respiratory mortality, specifically in men.Women who drink only coffee or up to tea may have the lowest overall mortality from various conditions, but those who drink higher percentages of tea may have a higher mortality risk. || Tea | Tea may decrease the risk of mortality from heart disease and cancer, specifically in men.Also, men who drink 30–50% tea may have the lowest mortality risk compared with those who only drink coffee. |
The overall conclusion of the study is that coffee and tea both have their own benefits depending on the quantity consumed, and these benefits may vary among men and women. The difference in impact based on sex may be related to how coffee affects sex hormones.
For those looking to gain health advantages from drinking coffee, it's crucial to stay below the daily suggested limit and pay attention to the additives you use – sugar, cream, and flavorings. These extras might not be beneficial to your health.
Individuals expecting and people at risk of bone fractures might want to steer clear of coffee consumption.
Coffee may also potentially reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by up to five times in some individuals, according to certain studies. The antioxidants present in coffee, such as polyphenols, can help protect the body against inflammation, which has been linked to certain aspects of metabolic syndrome, including obesity. However, excessive coffee consumption can lead to side effects such as anxiety, fractures, and negative effects on a growing fetus during pregnancy.
