Is Coffee Beneficial or Harmful?

Natural coffee ranks among the most popular drinks worldwide. Approximately 90% of Americans start their day with a cup of coffee. Historically, in Europe and Russia, coffee was first sold in pharmacies as a medicinal remedy. However, opinions vary: while some consider coffee a 'elixir of vitality,' others believe it may pose health risks. Let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of coffee consumption.

Health Benefits of Coffee

• The medicinal properties of coffee have been recognized since the times of Aristotle and Avicenna. In Russia, coffee was introduced as a remedy in 1665 when court physician Samuel Collins prescribed boiled coffee to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, noting its effectiveness against ailments such as colds, headaches, and lethargy.

• Consuming a couple of cups of coffee daily can provide numerous health benefits. Coffee beans are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and sulfur, along with over 30 organic acids. Studies show that a single cup of coffee supplies about 20% of the body's daily requirement for vitamin P group compounds.

• Natural coffee helps regulate the central nervous system's function, promoting alertness and mental clarity.

• Coffee consumption has been linked to increased levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, contributing to cardiovascular health.

• Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health found that drinking 2-3 cups of coffee daily reduces the risk of gallstone formation by 30% and may also offer protection against type 2 diabetes.

• Thanks to its serotonin content, known as the 'happiness hormone,' coffee acts as a natural antidepressant. Regular intake of two cups per day can reduce the risk of depression by up to three times.

• Studies indicate that one cup of coffee daily may significantly enhance sexual activity in women over 50 years of age.

• Coffee is low in calories—only about 9 kilocalories per 100 grams—making green coffee popular among those seeking weight loss aids.

Who Should Avoid Coffee?

• Excessive coffee intake may lead to dizziness, headaches, and insomnia.

• Individuals with ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, kidney disorders, glaucoma, high blood pressure, nervous excitability, or sleep disturbances are advised to limit or avoid coffee consumption.

• Due to its tannin content, coffee can irritate and dry out the stomach lining, making it unsuitable for consumption on an empty stomach or for those suffering from ulcers.

• Coffee can cause physical dependence. Abrupt cessation after heavy use may result in headaches, drowsiness, sluggishness, distractibility, irritability, and nausea. Medical experts recommend gradually reducing coffee intake.

• Elderly individuals and children should generally avoid coffee.

Unexplored Aspects of Coffee

• Some scientists warn that consuming more than six cups daily may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 71%, while others argue that coffee can be protective for a healthy heart when consumed moderately.

• The safety of coffee consumption during pregnancy remains debated. Previously, it was believed that coffee might cause miscarriages, but current medical consensus suggests no significant harm to mother or child from moderate caffeine intake. However, high doses of caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant affecting calcium metabolism, are discouraged.

• Many coffee enthusiasts use it as an energy booster, claiming it enhances productivity and reduces fatigue. Research supports that caffeine improves cerebral blood flow and acts as a psychomotor stimulant, enhancing brain function.

• Indian researchers propose that coffee may protect against radiation exposure. They recommend that professionals working with radiation sources, such as radiologists and X-ray technicians, consume at least two cups daily. European medical authorities have yet to comment on these findings.

Expert Opinion

Natalya Yuryevna Kalinchenko, Dietitian-Endocrinologist, PhD:

The belief that coffee aids weight loss is a myth. While coffee slightly accelerates fat burning by inhibiting food absorption and boosting metabolism, the effect is minimal—four cups per day increase metabolic rate by only about 1%.

Some prefer decaffeinated coffee; however, studies show that eliminating all caffeine sources (coffee, tea, chocolate) may increase the likelihood of headaches and irritability. Therefore, experts suggest a daily caffeine intake equivalent to two cups of coffee, three cups of tea, or half a bar of dark chocolate is beneficial.

Photo: Getty Images

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