As one of the three major non-alcoholic beverages in the world (coffee, tea, and cocoa), coffee has been popular in Europe and the United States for at least 500 years. This drink originated in Africa and was introduced to Europe in the 17th century.

According to legend, some Catholics at the time regarded it as a "devil's drink", but Pope Clement VIII approved it after tasting it. Subsequently, coffee quickly became popular in Europe and continues to this day.

For any food, people like to explore its health benefits, and coffee is no exception. In recent years, many research results show that drinking coffee in moderation not only does not harm the heart, but also has a certain protective effect on the cardiovascular system.

In fact, there are more studies related to the health benefits of coffee. Cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, etc. are all involved, and there are both pros and cons.

Effects of coffee on blood pressure

According to the results of many studies at home and abroad, drinking moderate coffee can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. This result applies to people in Europe, America and Asia.

At the same time, some studies have found that drinking coffee can cause an acute increase in blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. This difference may be related to caffeine intake and personal underlying diseases.

Effects of coffee on diabetes

Long-term coffee drinking can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. At the same time, caffeine can prevent memory loss and cognitive decline caused by diabetes.

Drinking large amounts of coffee in the short term may reduce insulin sensitivity and lead to increased blood sugar.

Current research evidence shows that drinking a moderate amount of coffee (2 to 3 cups) regularly every day is beneficial in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Effects of coffee on tumors

There is currently limited research evidence on the effects of coffee on tumors.

Accurate research has confirmed that people who drink moderate amounts of coffee every day may have a reduced risk of prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, and liver cancer.

The effects of coffee on breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and bladder cancer do not show a clear correlation.

Effects of coffee on osteoporosis

The relationship between coffee and osteoporosis is more reflected in the amount of intake, and there are also gender differences.

If women drink more than 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day, their risk of fracture will indeed increase; but for men, drinking moderate coffee may reduce the risk of fracture.

However, there have been different explanations for the increased risk of fractures. In 1994, a British survey showed that caffeine can cause calcium loss only if the drinker's calcium intake is lower than normal, which indirectly leads to bone loss.

Principles of drinking coffee

Coffee is a natural extract with complex ingredients. Different ingredients have different effects, and different tests produce different results.

For example, coffee contains both antioxidants that help cardiovascular health and diterpenes that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Therefore, the effects of coffee should be evaluated comprehensively based on individual circumstances, but the general principle is not to drink it in excess .

Coffee consumption by population

The currently widely accepted recommendation for coffee drinking is: healthy adults drink two or three cups a day , the benefits outweigh the risks; pregnant women drink no more than two cups a day, which is acceptable; other groups need to weigh the specific circumstances.

• Patients with coronary heart disease

For people with heart disease, 5 cups a day is the upper limit.

Everyone has different sensitivities to coffee. Generally speaking, drinking more than 6 cups of coffee a day may lead to addiction , and may cause symptoms such as insomnia, nervousness, stomach discomfort, increased heart rate and breathing, which is very unfavorable for patients with heart disease.

• Osteoporosis patients

People with osteoporosis should not drink more than 2 to 3 cups.

If you already have symptoms of osteoporosis, it is wise to control your daily coffee consumption.

It is generally recommended that caffeine intake should not exceed 300 mg per day.

• Patients taking medication

People who are taking medication should avoid drinking coffee.

The interaction between caffeine and drugs may manifest in two opposite directions. For example, ephedrine, which can stimulate nerve excitement, will have a greatly enhanced effect if added with coffee, resulting in symptoms of "overdose". Some drugs may react with caffeine and reduce their efficacy.

There are many drugs that can interact with caffeine. If you are not sure whether there will be an effect, you might as well take the simplest approach and not drink coffee while taking the drug.

Text/Zhou Jun, Chief Physician

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