Coffee Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Did you know that drinking coffee can prolong your life? Several studies suggest a positive relationship between coffee drinking and the longevity of life. Research shows that drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of death due to various causes.

A study conducted with more than 5 lakh coffee drinkers observed the inverse relationship between coffee drinking and mortality from various diseases. 

According to a recent investigation, drinking 1-4 cups of coffee per day can help prolong life.

When it comes to the association between breast cancer risk and coffee consumption in postmenopausal women, the evidence is a bit murky.

Research shows that postmenopausal women are more prone to breast cancer and caffeine might even increase that risk. However, there are studies that have found the opposite evidence.

A study was conducted to find an association between coffee consumption and breast cancer risk. The study showed that women who consume at least 4 cups of coffee per day have a 10% lower risk of developing breast cancer. This was particularly true in the case of postmenopausal women.

In another study, coffee intake was found to be beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal but not postmenopausal women.

So, more studies are still needed to confirm the findings.

(Read more: Breast cancer in men)

Depression is a mental disorder, commonly characterized by a constant feeling of sadness, hopelessness and a generalised lack of interest. It can be caused due to various psychological, genetic and environmental conditions. But no specific cause for depression has been documented so far.

A clinical study conducted on more than 3 lakh participants found that coffee consumption leads to a decreased risk of depression. This is attributed to the caffeine content present in coffee.

Another research showed that caffeine causes dopamine levels in the brain to increase. Dopamine is known as the pleasure hormone of the body that triggers the mood centres in the brain and gives you a feeling of joy and contentment.

However, if you are experiencing the symptoms of depression, it is best to consult an expert.

(Read more: Postpartum depression symptoms)

People all over the world suffer from retinal degenerative diseases. Retinal degeneration happens when the light-sensing cells of the retina are damaged. Oxidative stress is one of the main reasons for retinal damage in humans. It is usually associated with vision loss and blindness. Research shows that coffee has high amounts of chlorogenic acids, which reduces retinal cell death and helps in protecting the eyes from retinal degeneration.

(Read more: How to improve eyesight)

In a study conducted in the USA, coffee intake was found to be effective in reducing the risk of cataract blindness in humans.

However, patients with ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye) and glaucoma are suggested to stay away from coffee as it can worsen their condition.   

(Read more: Macular degeneration treatment)

Tooth decay occurring in the enamel or dentin is caused due to bacteria, which produce acid in the mouth. A clinical study showed that black coffee is capable of killing these bacteria and preventing tooth decay. The research also indicated that adding milk or sugar to coffee can reduce its anti-caries properties.

In another study, a combination of coffee and chicory root was found to be effective against teeth cavities. As per the study, coffee reduced the attachment of caries causing bacteria on the teeth surface.

According to a study conducted in Japan, coffee consumption may be beneficial during the treatment of periodontitis.

However, a study done on a group of Korean adults indicated that daily coffee consumption is directly associated with the risk of tooth loss.

(Read more: Oral hygiene tips)

Coffee is a rich source of bioactive compounds that have potential anticarcinogenic effects. A study was conducted to examine the correlation between coffee drinking and colorectal cancer in Japan. Results showed that coffee drinking may be associated with lower risk of colon cancer in Japanese women.

A meta-analysis published in the journal Oncotarget indicated that consuming more than 5 cups of coffee a day can significantly reduce colon cancer risk.

(Read more: Colorectal cancer surgery)

Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the protective covering of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord get damaged. This causes problems with signal transduction (passage of information and signals) between the brain and body. A preclinical study observed that having coffee regularly may help reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Studies suggest that caffeine has neuroprotective properties. It helps slow down the production of a certain type of signalling molecules called the pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for the development of this disease.

(Read more: Multiple sclerosis diet)

An injured or infected liver produces a higher level of enzymes which can be evident from blood tests. A clinical study observed that regular consumption of coffee lowers the levels of liver enzymes hinting at a potential hepatoprotective action.

Another study showed that having two cups of coffee every day reduced the chances of liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, and liver cancer.

(Read more: Foods to improve liver health)

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that destroys thinking skills and memory, making it difficult for the person to even carry out simple tasks. Although it is more prevalent in older adults, various factors like lifestyle and individual genetics have been associated with Alzheimer’s.

A clinical study conducted on a group 54 people showed that caffeine has neuroprotective effects, which has the potential to prevent the death of neurons thus preventing AD.

In an animal study, intake of about 5 cups of coffee a day was found to have preventing effect on Alzheimer's.

A meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrients indicated no association between coffee consumption and Alzheimer's risk. However, a later published literature review published in the journal Archives of Medical Science suggested a reduced Alzheimer's risk with moderate coffee consumption.

(Read more: Alzheimer's disease diet)

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body is not able to use insulin effectively, leading to an increase in blood glucose levels. A study showed that coffee is rich in chlorogenic acid and trigonelline, both of which help in lowering the glucose level in the blood.

According to a meta-analysis published in Current Diabetes Reviews, drinking 4 cups of coffee per day can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.

Another clinical study demonstrated that coffee consumption is associated with a lesser risk of diabetes in postmenopausal women. more than 25000 postmenopausal but nondiabetic women The study further suggests that the anti-diabetic activity of coffee can be attributed to the presence of certain minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants present in it.

(Read more: Diabetes diet)

Some of the common factors associated with cardiovascular diseases include high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, smoking. A study was conducted to assess if coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study suggested that consuming 3 cups of coffee every day reduced the chance of stroke, heart attack, and coronary heart disease. It also indicated that regular coffee consumption reduces the risk of mortality in cardiac patients

(Read more: Heart disease causes)