CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Is coffee bad for the heart?
No, research shows that drinking coffee as part of a healthy balanced diet is not associated with the development of cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerotic disease, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias and hypertension.
Can coffee lead to any deterioration in those patients with already diagnosed cardiovascular illness?
Moderate coffee consumption is safe for many patients with heart disease. Anybody with concerns about their heart health should seek advice fro their doctor.
I have read somewhere that coffee drinking raises blood pressure, is this true?
Research has shown that caffeine consumption may have a small effect on blood pressure, however scientists do not consider coffee drinking to be an important risk factor for hypertension. The key risk factors are known to be a low potassium intake, high sodium intake, sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
Is stopping drinking coffee, and other caffeinated drinks, healthier for the heart and likely to lower blood pressure?
No. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that stopping drinking coffee, or any other caffeinated drinks, has any direct benefits on general cardiac health. People who have concerns about their blood pressure should consult their doctor.
I have heard that coffee causes palpitations, is this true?
Research has shown that many individuals susceptible to irregular heartbeats (palpitations) will experience them irrespective of whether they drink coffee or not. If an individual is concerned about palpitations they should seek advice from their doctor.
CHOLESTEROL
I have heard that people who drink coffee have higher cholesterol levels than those who do not, is this true?
This commonly held misconception refers mainly to ‘Scandinavian Boiled Coffee’ that has been shown to raise an individuals cholesterol levels by releasing high levels of the diterpenes, cafestol and kahweol, that have been identified as being responsible for the cholesterol raising effect observed with this brewing method where the coffee grounds are boiled in water and served without filtering. These diterpenes are sometimes referred to as ‘oils’.
Are there any other brewing methods that have the same effect?
Some studies have suggested that coffee brewed by the ‘plunger pot’ (Cafetiere) method contains high levels of the diterpenes that have been shown to raise cholesterol, however it is of note that these studies tended to prepare the brew using high levels of ground coffee and therefore the results could be of no relevance to normal coffee consumption.
Are these ‘oils’ found in all coffees?
No, Soluble, drip filter and espresso contain virtually none.
COFFEE AND DIABETES
Can it be concluded, categorically, that coffee protects against diabetes?
At this stage it would not be appropriate to conclude categorically that coffee protects against type 2 diabetes, however, epidemiological research to date strongly suggests a protective effect.
How does coffee protect against diabetes?
The exact cause and effect has yet to be identified. There are several hypotheses and research into the possible mechanism of protection is ongoing at several research centres.
Does all coffee have the same effect?
Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have been shown to be protective against the onset of type 2 diabetes, or to have a beneficial effect on those suffering from the illness. Decaffeinated coffee was associated with a more modest reduction in risk than was caffeinated coffee.
How much coffee would a person need to drink to see a benefit?
Most research papers that have been published on this subject suggest an effect at around three to four cups of coffee per day. The effect is inversely proportional to the number of cups of coffee consumed.