Since decades ago, coffee has been subjected to occasional warnings that it might be dangerous, including potential links with heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, gout, anxiety disorders, nutrient deficiencies, stomach ulcers and depression. Unfortunately, however, many of these claims proved exaggerated or false; others may be related to other aspects of our lifestyle or diet such as smoking.

However, research increasingly points to the benefits of coffee far outweighing any risks. This is particularly true for individuals able to tolerate higher caffeine doses (up to five cups daily).

This latest study, published in January 2018 in the British Medical Journal, examined an abundance of data from various studies that involved people reporting their coffee intake before following up to see whether these reports correlate with future risk of certain conditions. This was an “umbrella review”, meaning it considered many different pieces of research simultaneously and then combined it to find statistical patterns not apparent from smaller individual studies.

Coffee is packed with antioxidants, particularly polyphenols that act as natural plant hormones to shield cells from damage. Furthermore, caffeine helps with brain function and mood improvement while the most valuable aspect of coffee may be its soluble fiber content – studies have revealed its ability to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Regular coffee intake provides many other health advantages; coffee drinkers are less likely to develop liver cancer, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and many other diseases and conditions. One study suggested that drinking three to five cups per day of coffee led to a 65% reduction in Alzheimer’s risk.

Coffee provides numerous health benefits in addition to being an important source of nutrients, including potassium, riboflavin, niacin and magnesium. Furthermore, small amounts of protein, iron folic acid and zinc can also be found within its beans.

Studies suggest that drinking two to three cups of coffee daily may reduce heart disease risk and mortality by 20%, whether ground, instant, caffeinated or decaf. However, those already suffering from atrial fibrillation should exercise caution regarding how much they consume due to its caffeine content and potential side effects.

Recent large scale research in the United Kingdom involving over half a million individuals revealed an encouraging result – those who enjoyed coffee daily without experiencing negative side effects had 30% lower mortality risk compared to those who never drank coffee (after accounting for lifestyle, dietary, and health-related factors). If coffee brings you pleasure without any adverse side effects then there should be no reason for stopping!