Coffee, one of the most popular beverages worldwide, has been shown to offer a range of health benefits.
Recent studies, such as one published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (citation below), indicate that regular coffee consumption can play a significant role in reducing the risk of developing certain cardiometabolic diseases.
Cardiometabolic Benefits
A study conducted by the Endocrine Society and the UK Biobank examined over 188,000 participants and found that moderate coffee consumption—about three cups per day—was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM), which refers to the presence of at least two conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or stroke.
The study revealed that people who consumed 200-300 mg of caffeine daily had a 40-50% lower risk of developing these conditions compared to non-consumers.
Professor Luqing Yang, lead author of the study, explained, “Our findings suggest that moderate coffee consumption could be part of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases.”
The researchers, from Soochow University, Nanjing Medical University, the University of Sydney, Lund University (Malmo, Sweden), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and other collaborating institutions, identified specific biological, including lipid components within very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and glycoprotein acetyls, associated with coffee intake and a reduced risk of CM.
Cognitive and Mental Health Improvements
Coffee’s caffeine content is widely known to improve cognitive function. Caffeine acts as a stimulant that boosts mood, memory, and mental alertness.
Research has shown that moderate coffee consumption may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by protecting brain cells from damage and improving dopamine production, which plays a crucial role in motor function and emotional regulation.
Liver Health and Longevity
Studies have consistently supported coffee’s role in promoting liver health. Regular coffee drinkers are less likely to develop conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
This is likely due to coffee’s ability to reduce fat accumulation in the liver and its anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, some research suggests that regular coffee consumption may contribute to longer life expectancy by reducing the risks of chronic diseases.
Safe Consumption Levels
To maximize coffee’s health benefits, moderation is key. Experts recommend consuming between three to five cups of coffee per day to gain the benefits without experiencing negative effects such as insomnia, increased heart rate, or digestive issues.
Certain individuals, such as pregnant women and people with specific health conditions, may need to limit their intake.
Professor Yuanjie Mao, co-author of the study, noted, “While moderate coffee consumption is beneficial, people should still consult with their healthcare providers to assess their personal health risks.”
Conclusion
In summary, coffee, when consumed in moderation, offers a wide array of health benefits, particularly in lowering the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, enhancing cognitive function, and promoting liver health. As research continues to explore its effects, coffee remains a key component of a healthy lifestyle for millions of people worldwide.
A few years ago, we published an article that listed 19 benefits associated with regular coffee consumption.
Citation
Xujia Lu, Xiaohong Zhu, Guochen Li, Luying Wu, Liping Shao, Yulong Fan, Chen-Wei Pan, Ying Wu, Yan Borné, Chaofu Ke, Habitual Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine Consumption, Circulating Metabolites, and the Risk of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2024;, dgae552, https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgae552