Sunday September 29th is celebrated as National Coffee Day in the U.S. In recognition of this important day, our post today will cover some interesting research on coffee consumption and various health outcomes.
The largest coffee producer in the world is Brazil, and has been so for over 100 years. Second on the list of producing countries is Vietnam, followed by Columbia. While over 50% of Americans drink coffee daily, the leading coffee consuming country is actually Finland, followed by Norway. There are many bioactive compounds found in coffee, including polyphenols, which are thought to be one of the sources of coffee’s health benefits.
A group of researchers affiliated with the University of Edinburgh as well as the University of Southampton in the UK performed what they termed an “umbrella review”, examining the effects of coffee consumption on several different health conditions. Their review included 201 meta-analyses of observational studies, as well as 17 meta-analyses of interventional research.
After completion of their analysis, the researchers concluded that coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality, total cancer, and all-cause mortality.
For cancer, coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of endometrial cancer, melanoma, oral cancer, and prostate cancer.
For the liver, in those with any coffee consumption versus those with none, there was a 39% lower risk for liver cirrhosis, 27% lower risk for liver fibrosis, and 29% lower risk on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
In comparing high versus low coffee consumption, high consumption was associated with a lower risk of diabetes type 2, and was also associated with a 9% lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
Other notable findings- coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of both gallstone disease and Parkinson’s disease. In fact, the only evidence of potential harm seemed to be in those that are pregnant and perhaps women and bone loss.
This was a massive study, spread over multiple countries and with many participants. While studies such as these do not prove cause and effect, they do provide areas where further research may be helpful.
So, on National Coffee Day, consider a cup or two with friends and family. It may be good for your health!
“The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
(Source-BMJ 2017;359)
This blog is a review of published research and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.