DR. HELP: What are the effects of coffee on our health?

It is no wonder that we choose the coffee we drink first thing in the morning. It activates the cerebral cortex, facilitating memory, attention and learning processes. Despite this, there is still a great lack of knowledge among the population about the effects of coffee consumption on human health.

Coffee, after water, is the most consumed beverage in the world and the main source of caffeine intake in adults. Its biological effects may be substances that are not limited to the action of caffeine.

Research in recent years has shown that coffee is one of the main sources of antioxidants in the diet and that drinking it daily can be good for your health. From a cardiovascular perspective, drinking coffee can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, as well as other conditions associated with cardiovascular risk, such as obesity and depression. Regarding cholesterol and triglycerides, the effects of coffee can vary depending on how the drink is prepared, because coffee contains some substances that can raise cholesterol, but these same substances are largely retained by the filter.

Regardless, a growing body of data suggests that habitual caffeine consumption of two to three cups of coffee is either neutral or reduces a variety of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.

Furthermore, large epidemiological studies suggest that regular consumers have a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular causes, especially heart attacks and strokes. The benefits also include protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, improved asthma control and a lower risk of some gastrointestinal diseases, such as gallstones and liver disease. However, it is important to emphasize that most of the data on the effects of coffee on human health are based on observational studies and more structured studies are needed to be more certain of these effects.

However, it should be consumed with caution, as its high caffeine content can worsen other conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, among others.