Is coffee good for your health?
Coffee: more than just a pleasure, a functional ally validated by science
Coffee is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. Initially appreciated for its immediate stimulating effect, it is now recognized by science as a powerful nutritional lever. Far from being a simple vehicle for caffeine, coffee is packed with bioactive compounds: chlorogenic acid, antioxidant polyphenols, cafestol, and kahweol.
For lovers of exceptional beans, understanding these benefits adds a new dimension to each cup. Our article will present the health benefits of coffee, supported by major epidemiological and clinical studies.
Systemic benefits: from longevity to cardiovascular protection
Large population studies show that daily coffee consumption, with or without caffeine, is associated with an approximately 10% reduction in mortality. Meta-analyses even confirm a 17-21% reduction in overall mortality risk among consumers of 3-4 cups per day.
Cardiovascular and liver health
Protection of the heart and blood vessels
Coffee is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Moderate consumption (3 to 5 cups per day) is associated with an approximately 15% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. The protective effect is thought to come from the anti-inflammatory compounds in coffee.
Neutral effect on blood pressure
Although caffeine acts as a temporary stimulant, regular drinkers develop a tolerance that neutralizes its hypertensive effect. Data show that even high consumption (up to 6 cups per day) does not increase the risk of hypertension in women.
Better liver protection
Coffee protects the liver against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. The European EPIC study showed that high coffee consumption is linked to a reduction in digestive mortality.
Improved carbohydrate metabolism
Coffee contains molecules, such as chlorogenic acids, which can help improve sugar metabolism.
Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
Each daily cup is associated with a 6-9% reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes. The greatest benefits are seen with around 4-6 cups per day, with a risk reduction of approximately 30%.
Central role of polyphenols
Since these effects are observed for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, it is essentially the polyphenols that improve insulin sensitivity and contribute to better glycemic control.
Neurodegenerative protection
Several observational studies suggest a link between regular coffee consumption and a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The antioxidant compounds in coffee appear to play a neuroprotective role, particularly through modulation of the dopaminergic system.
Coffee, a true functional food
Coffee is a natural concentrate of bioactive molecules. By choosing exceptional beans, such as those selected by Momus, you not only enhance the taste experience, but also increase the intake of beneficial compounds for your body.
Choose high-quality, traceable coffee from sustainable or organic farming. Avoid low-end or over-roasted coffees, which may contain more undesirable molecules. Finally, remember to clean your machine regularly: clean extraction guarantees better flavor and limits the formation of potentially harmful residues.
Key Sources and References
The benefits of coffee are supported by extensive research, including large European cohort studies and studies conducted by recognized institutes.
To deepen your understanding of these benefits, you can consult the following publications, cited by our sources:
L'article Coffee Drinking and Mortality in 10 European Countries: A Multinational Cohort Study (publié dans les Annals of Internal Medicine en 2017).
Sur les Bénéfices Multiples (revue des méta-analyses) :Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes (publié dans le BMJ en 2017).
Sur la Santé Cardiovasculaire et l'Inflammation : Des études suggèrent que les résultats sont en accord avec celles montrant un risque réduit de maladies cardiovasculaires et de la mortalité en général, comme celles mentionnant des parutions dans Nature Medicine.
Sur la Santé Hépatique et Métabolique : Des études ciblées sur l'hépatite C et le VIH, menées par la cohorte prospective française ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH, ont démontré un effet protecteur possible de la consommation de café élevée sur la mortalité dans cette population spécifique.