Potential Positive Effects Of Coffee Might Be Offset By Its Negative Influence On Heart

Despite these potentially positive effects of coffee intake, the fact is that less encouraging data on this natural product also exists. The potential negative effects on the cardiovascular system, for instances, are some of the most extensively researched.

Two separate meta-analyses that combined the results of eight case-control studies found that coronary heart disease risk was 40–60% higher in those who consumed 5 or more cups of coffee daily compared to those who did not drink coffee. However, prospective cohort studies have not generally found any relevant associations between coffee consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease. As for the effects on people with established coronary heart disease, no robust studies have yet been conducted and, consequently, no inferences can be made.

Coffee and high blood pressure

It has been well-established that acute consumption of caffeine at dietary levels raises blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. However, chronic consumption seems to be associated with a tolerance to the pressor effects of caffeine. Still, additional prospective cohort studies are needed to clarify the relationships between long-term coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of hypertension.

Coffee and osteoporosis

The results of controlled calcium balance studies in humans indicate that caffeine consumption leads to a small negative calcium balance in individuals with inadequate calcium intakes. The negative shift in calcium balance has been estimated to be about 4–6 mg of calcium per cup of coffee, and is caused by a minor reduction in the efficiency of calcium absorption. Although this does not sound much overall, three prospective cohort studies in the US found that coffee or caffeine consumption was associated with the risk of hip fracture in women.

However, the best evidence currently available suggests that ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and limiting coffee consumption to 3 cups/day to limit the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, particularly in the elderly.

See Also: Is Decaffeinated Or Decaf Coffee Healthy?

To drink or not to drink??

Debate still persists as to whether coffee is beneficial or somewhat troublesome for human health. Naturally, further research is warranted for any conclusions to be effectively drawn. In the absence of full and conclusive data it would reasonable to use a common sense approach. If, for whatever reason, you are in danger of cardiovascular diseases or have any other serious health conditions, you should probably limit your consumption of coffee. If, on the other hand, your general health is good, drinking coffee might help in keeping it this way for years ahead.