Coffee is primarily drunk because of its taste and stimulating effect, but regular consumption also brings with it a whole range of health benefits. Coffee protects against, among other things, chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and even premature death.
A recent evaluation of various studies analyzed the effects of coffee consumption on general health and the risk of various diseases. The results are published in the English-language journal “Neural Regeneration Research”.
Health-promoting effects of coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, with consumption usually between two and six cups a day. Coffee consumption can have a positive effect on many aspects of health.
For example, it has already been scientifically proven that coffee has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, anti-cancer, chemoprotective and hepatoprotective properties, explains the team.
According to the researchers, the effect of caffeine and its main components has already been investigated in numerous clinical and cellular experiments, with some controversial results regarding the effect of coffee on various diseases.
Be careful during pregnancy and breastfeeding
In healthy people, moderate coffee consumption can have positive effects on health and significantly reduce various chronic diseases. According to the experts, however, this does not apply in certain phases of life such as pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Coffee protects against premature death
For example, there is evidence of a connection between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of early death, the team reports. Coffee is also associated with a lower risk of developing chronic liver diseases, including hepatitis, regardless of the type of coffee, experts continued.
Regular coffee consumption also protects against cardiovascular diseases and significantly reduces the risk of premature death from cardiovascular causes. The researchers report that consuming up to three cups of coffee per day is associated with a healthier heart (size and function) and reduced effects of aging on the organ.
The positive effects of regular coffee consumption on the cardiovascular system could be explained by its antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiarrhythmic and antiatherosclerotic effects, the research team said.
Be careful if you have severe high blood pressure
However, high coffee consumption appears to increase the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease in people with severe high blood pressure.
Coffee can reduce the risk of diabetes
According to the researchers, oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in various chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Coffee contains numerous compounds with anti-inflammatory properties (e.g. caffeic acid, kahweol and cafestol) and coffee consumption therefore also appears to be associated with a reduced risk of inflammatory diseases.
Neuroprotective effect
In addition, coffee and its bioactive compounds have been shown to have neuroprotective effects, the team reports. Coffee can protect against various neurodegenerative diseases.
In the short term, coffee can improve mood, alertness, learning ability and reaction time, and in the long term it can even protect against brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the researchers add.
Improved motor and cognitive performance
According to experts, various bioactive polyphenols in coffee improve motor and cognitive performance both in old age and in cases of depression. In addition, there is evidence that habitual coffee consumption can have a positive effect on the course of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Overall, the results of the evaluated studies show that coffee consumption is a cost-effective and at the same time effective preventative measure against many different chronic diseases, the research team concluded. (as)