As a fellow coffee lover, I’ve often wondered about the health implications of indulging in my favorite beverage. More often than not, I hear about how it’s bad for me. However, there are quite a few studies that propose some significant health benefits of this popular morning pick-me-up.
Drinking Coffee Tied to Better Survival
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology followed the coffee consumption habits of over 90,000 adults for 10 years. At the beginning of the study, none of the participants had cancer or a history of cardiovascular disease.
By the end of the study period, 8,718 participants had died. After taking into account factors such as smoking and other potential confounders, the researchers found that those who drank coffee had fewer incidences of specific diseases and an 18% lower death rate than non-drinkers.
Coffee drinkers were less likely to die from heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, pneumonia, and influenza. Additionally, they were less likely to commit intentional self-harm or suicide. However, there was no association found between coffee consumption and cancer prevention.
Interestingly enough, participants who drank four to five cups of coffee per day had the lowest risk of death. And for those who can’t tolerate caffeine, the researchers observed similar findings for those who opted for decaffeinated coffee.
Coffee Protects Against Liver Disease
A study published in the journal Hepatology looked into the effects of coffee on liver functions. Previous research had suggested that high coffee consumption is associated with a reduced incidence of chronic liver disease.
For this particular study, researchers wanted to see if drinking coffee also had an effect on slowing the progression of liver disease. They assessed 766 participants with hepatitis C-related bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis for 3.8 years and found that regular coffee drinkers had lower rates of disease progression.
Tea consumption was also studied, but those results were not significant.
Coffee Protects Against Liver Cirrhosis
Another study from the University of Southampton in the UK, published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, found that drinking coffee protects the liver from the adverse effects of alcohol and hepatitis, which can lead to cirrhosis.
Liver cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by either a virus or toxin. Potentially lethal, it can lead to liver failure and cancer, and is responsible for over a million deaths every year.
The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature and studies on the relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of cirrhosis. They found that increasing coffee consumption may substantially reduce the risk of developing this harmful condition.
Tips for Reaping the Benefits
While these tantalizing tidbits of good news about coffee’s health benefits might have you reaching for another cup, it’s important to remember that moderation is still key. Excessive caffeine consumption can have adverse effects on your health, such as triggering migraines and causing diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, adding calorie-dense ingredients like whole milk, cream, or sugar can transform your otherwise healthy coffee into a calorie bomb best avoided.
If you’re looking to enjoy the health benefits of coffee without the potential side effects, try skipping the high-calorie, high-sugar coffee drinks. If you’re susceptible to migraines, opt for a lower-fat milk option like 2%, and sweeten your drink with a sugar substitute like stevia. Better yet, reach for a cup of decaf, as at least one study showed positive health results without the caffeine.
When consumed responsibly and with healthier additions in mind, coffee can indeed be a valuable addition to your daily routine. So go ahead and savor that cup (or perhaps even two!) with a little less guilt and a greater appreciation for the health benefits it may provide.
