For many, coffee is considered an essential part of daily life.
However, some remain concerned about the potential negative health effects of coffee consumption.
With conflicting information circulating about its risks and benefits, questions persist: Is coffee truly good for you, or could it be doing more harm than good?
New research warns that the health effects of coffee may depend heavily on how it is consumed.
In June 2024, researchers from Harbin Medical University published a large - scale study in The Journal of Nutrition, analyzing health data from over 180,000 participants aged 37 to 73 over an 8.8 - year period.
The study found that individuals who drank more than two cups of unsweetened coffee daily had a 5 percent lower risk of developing cancer and a 25 percent reduction in mortality.
In contrast, those who consumed more than two cups of sweetened coffee per day experienced a 6 percent increase in cancer risk and a 25 percent rise in overall mortality — with respiratory cancers showing the strongest association.
To reap the health benefits of coffee, researchers recommend sticking to unsweetened versions.
If black coffee is too bitter, small amounts of milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be added to enhance flavor and smoothness without compromising health.
Research suggests that moderate consumption of 2 - 3 cups of coffee in the morning is associated with a more significant reduction in mortality risk.
Health experts generally recommend that healthy adults limit their daily caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams.
Drinking coffee after meals can aid digestion while reducing stomach irritation.
Additionally, it’s best to let coffee cool below 65°C before drinking to avoid esophageal damage from hot liquids.
Savoring it slowly in small sips not only enhances its energizing effect but also allows you to fully appreciate the coffee’s aroma.
Caution is also advised when coffee is consumed alongside certain medications.
Caffeine can counteract the effects of sedatives and sleeping pills such as diazepam or alprazolam.
When combined with painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin, it may aggravate gastric irritation, increasing the risk of stomach bleeding.
It can also interfere with calcium absorption and exacerbate osteoporosis when taken with bone health supplements like calcium carbonate or alendronate.
Ultimately, coffee is not a cure - all.
Even when consumed correctly, it cannot make up for unhealthy lifestyle habits.
True well - being requires consistent sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.