Is Coffee Healthy or Unhealthy?

Reported health benefits of moderate coffee consumption include: 

• Reduction in the overall risk of death
• Improved alertness and performance
• Improved physical endurance
• Beneficial for cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias
• Lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease 
• Reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease
• Lower risk of certain cancers, including head and neck, colorectal, breast, uterine endometrium, and liver cancers
• Inhibition of the onset of alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver cirrhosis
• Decreased risk for depression (more study is needed)
• Contains micronutrients, including potassium, magnesium and niacin

The caffeine in coffee is the main culprit. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says healthy adults can consume up to 400 milligrams a day of caffeine (about four or five cups of coffee) without dangerous, negative effects. 

But not everyone can drink even that much. People who should limit or avoid caffeine intake include: 

• People who are naturally more susceptible to the effects of caffeine
• Those taking certain medications that can make them more sensitive to caffeine
• People who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• People who are breastfeeding 
• People who have anxiety or panic disorders
  • Caffeine may cause or worsen symptoms of these disorders
• Children
  • The FDA has not a set level of caffeine consumption considered safe for children
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the consumption of caffeine and other stimulants by children and adolescents

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about whether to limit caffeine intake. 

In addition, unfiltered coffee is associated with higher rates of early death. Unfiltered coffee may raise blood levels of a compound called homocysteine, which can raise levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Many people also add lots of sugar or creamer to coffee, which can add fat and empty calories. 

When consumed in excess, the caffeine in coffee can cause side effects of such as:  

• Anxiousness
• Fast heart rate
• Feeling jittery
• Feeling unhappy
• Headache
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Upset stomach