The Surprising Health Effects of Coffee

By Anatole Tahintzi, Year 12

Coffee is one of the most frequently consumed beverages in the world, with billions of cups drank daily. While coffee has long been associated with preventing the feeling of being tired and raising alertness, recent research has also shown that moderate coffee consumption can have several additional health benefits.

According to studies cited by the Harvard School of Public Health, moderate coffee consumption (3-4 cups per day) is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Additionally, coffee contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that may help to protect against cognitive decline, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. One of the most well-known benefits of coffee is its ability to improve cognitive function and alertness, especially when feeling tired, through increasing activity in the brain and blocking sleep-promoting proteins in your brain called adenosine receptors. Coffee consumption may also promote weight loss. Research has found that caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, can increase energy expenditure and boost metabolism, which can help lead to losing weight.

It’s important to keep in mind that the benefits of coffee consumption are most pronounced when consumed in moderation. Excessive coffee consumption can have negative effects on health. High levels of caffeine can cause jitteriness, anxiety, high blood pressure and stomach problems. One of the most well-known negative effects of coffee consumption is the impact it can have on sleep. The caffeine in coffee makes it harder to feel tired and fall asleep at night, leading to the many negative health effects associated with a lack of sleep. These effects are often ignored through the intake of additional caffeine to prevent that groggy morning feeling. Thus, many become dependent on coffee to get through their days without trying to regulate their sleep, which can cause serious harm to long term health.

Overall, while coffee consumption has many health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to negative effects. It’s important to pay attention to how much you’re drinking and how it’s affecting your body.