Coffee lovers, take note! A journal called Nutrients recently published a comprehensive review about the coffee's impact on health and well-being. Drawing on this and other studies, a Hyderabad-based neurologist, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a CMC Vellore graduate, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared detailed insights into how regular coffee drinking impacts health, offering useful guidance on safe consumption and potential risks. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know about your daily cup of joe.
Health benefits of coffee consumption
Possible risks and side effects
While coffee has many perks, it’s not without drawbacks. Caffeine can cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, jitteriness, and restlessness, especially in higher doses. Some people may experience temporary rises in blood pressure or heart palpitations, particularly if they are sensitive or have underlying heart conditions.
Pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine intake due to links with miscarriage and low birth weight. Children and adolescents should avoid or strictly limit coffee as well. In his detailed note, the doctor also shared that, coffee loaded with sugar, syrups, or creamers adds extra calories and saturated fat, which can negate the health benefits and contribute to weight gain.
Genetic differences in caffeine metabolism mean some people may be at higher risk of negative effects from the same amount of caffeine.
However, the bottom line is that for most healthy adults, moderate coffee consumption is linked to more health benefits than harm. To maximize these benefits, stick to plain or lightly sweetened coffee, avoid excess sugar and cream, and be mindful of your personal health conditions. As always, consult your doctor for advice tailored to you.
For those who don't know, Dr. Sudhir Kumar is a senior neurologist practicing at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and brings decades of experience in diagnosing and treating various neurological disorders.
So, enjoy your coffee but drink smart with all precautions!
Health benefits of coffee consumption
- Habitual coffee drinking has been linked to several positive health outcomes. One of the most consistent findings is a reduced risk of premature death, studies show moderate coffee drinkers tend to have lower all-cause mortality compared to non-drinkers.
- Coffee also appears to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes majorly.
- Liver health benefits are notable as well, with coffee reducing the chance of chronic liver disease and certain liver cancers, while improving liver-related biomarkers.
- According to Dr Sudhir Kumar, it also has neurological benefits, including a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease and slower cognitive decline in some cases.
- There is also evidence suggesting coffee lowers the risk of some cancers, like colorectal and endometrial cancer, although this varies by type.
- Cardiovascular health may also improve with coffee consumption, with lowered risks of heart attack and stroke reported in several studies.
Benefits of coffee consumption
Possible risks and side effects
While coffee has many perks, it’s not without drawbacks. Caffeine can cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, jitteriness, and restlessness, especially in higher doses. Some people may experience temporary rises in blood pressure or heart palpitations, particularly if they are sensitive or have underlying heart conditions.Pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine intake due to links with miscarriage and low birth weight. Children and adolescents should avoid or strictly limit coffee as well. In his detailed note, the doctor also shared that, coffee loaded with sugar, syrups, or creamers adds extra calories and saturated fat, which can negate the health benefits and contribute to weight gain.
Genetic differences in caffeine metabolism mean some people may be at higher risk of negative effects from the same amount of caffeine.
However, the bottom line is that for most healthy adults, moderate coffee consumption is linked to more health benefits than harm. To maximize these benefits, stick to plain or lightly sweetened coffee, avoid excess sugar and cream, and be mindful of your personal health conditions. As always, consult your doctor for advice tailored to you.
For those who don't know, Dr. Sudhir Kumar is a senior neurologist practicing at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and brings decades of experience in diagnosing and treating various neurological disorders.
So, enjoy your coffee but drink smart with all precautions!
