Coffee: Liquid Joy or Just a Buzz?

Barista at work

Coffee is more than just a morning ritual or an afternoon pick-me-up; it's a drink with a rich history, a global following, and even some surprising health benefits.

Discovered in Ethiopia, myth has it coffee's journey began with a goat herder who noticed his animals' energetic behaviour after eating berries from a certain tree. From its origins in Ethiopia, coffee spread to Yemen, where it was cultivated and brewed into the drink. Today, coffee is the second most traded commodity globally, with billions of cups consumed daily. Arabica and Robusta are the two main types of coffee beans, each with distinct flavour profiles. Beyond the common varieties, rare and expensive coffees like Kopi Luwak and Geisha offer unique and sought-after experiences.

​Espresso, meaning "pressed out," refers to the brewing method that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure. Even decaffeinated coffee retains a small amount of caffeine. Historically, coffeehouses have played a vital role in intellectual and political discourse, earning the nickname "penny universities" in 17th-century.

Turkish Coffee

​​​​​Italy has significantly shaped modern coffee culture, introducing espresso and iconic drinks like cappuccino. The traditional preparation of Turkish coffee is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Whether you prefer a quick espresso, a frothy latte, or a pour-over, coffee's versatility makes it a beloved beverage across cultures and continents. Each cup tells a story of tradition, innovation, and global connection. From its mythical discovery in Ethiopia to its role as a global cultural phenomenon, coffee continues to captivate people worldwide.

Coffee offers numerous health benefits, including being a rich source of antioxidants. Its caffeine content boosts alertness, and studies suggest moderate consumption may even contribute to a longer lifespan.

But is coffee healthy?​​​​​

According to the various sources listed below, coffee can be healthy when consumed in moderation, but its effects can vary based on individual health conditions and how it’s prepared.

Potential Health Benefits of Coffee

• Rich in Antioxidants

  Coffee contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and may protect against certain diseases.

• Help Boost Brain Function

  Caffeine, a key component of coffee, improves alertness, focus, and mental performance.

• May Reduce Risk of Some Diseases

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Studies suggest moderate coffee consumption may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

  • Heart Disease: Moderate intake (1–2 cups daily) might reduce the risk of heart failure or stroke.

  • Neurodegenerative Diseases: Coffee has been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies in Finland and Australia suggest this.

• Supports Metabolism

  Coffee could slightly boost metabolism and help with fat burning.

• Improves Mood

  It may help reduce the risk of depression and improve mood.​​​

​Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to anxiety, insomnia, an increased heart rate, and digestive issues. Regular consumption of caffeine may lead to dependence, causing withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. Excessive coffee intake can reduce calcium absorption, potentially impacting bone health, although potentially offset by milk. Sugar, syrups, and cream can turn coffee into a high-calorie drink, negating its potential health benefits. High caffeine intake is discouraged during pregnancy, as it may adversely affect foetal development.

Tips for Healthy Coffee Consumption

• Stick to 3–4 cups per day (about 400 mg of caffeine max).

• Avoid making coffee in ways that lets it sit in the granules for longer than is necessary - passing hot water through the coffee is best.

• Avoid drinking coffee too late in the day to protect sleep.

• Limit added sugar, cream, or syrups.

• Consider switching to decaf if you're sensitive to caffeine.

  
  
  
  

In conclusion, like everything else in moderation, it could have some benefits but it seems like the jury is still out. Everyone reacts differently, so if you have specific health concerns (like heart conditions or acid reflux), it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Further reading

Health Organisations and Institutions

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health 

They publish detailed research on coffee's health benefits, risks, and its role in preventing diseases.

(e.g., "Coffee and Health" page)

American Heart Association (AHA)

Provides insights on how coffee affects heart health.

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO has categorized coffee as "not classifiable as carcinogenic," and its studies focus on cancer and other health risks.

Mayo Clinic

Covers detailed articles on how caffeine and coffee affect overall health.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Conducts and funds studies on coffee's long-term effects on diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Research and Studies

Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

Research on coffee and its relationship to mortality and chronic diseases.

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)

Studies related to coffee, caffeine, and metabolic effects.

Scientific Journals in Nutrition and Health

"Annals of Internal Medicine" and "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" often publish studies on coffee's health impact.

Key Findings in Recent Studies

Coffee and Type 2 Diabetes:Studies like the meta-analysis from Diabetes Care (2014) suggest regular coffee consumption is linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Neurodegenerative Diseases:Research in journals like Frontiers in Neuroscience points to caffeine's protective effects on the brain.

Antioxidants in Coffee:Studies such as those in Food Chemistry highlight coffee as a significant source of dietary antioxidants.