A new study suggests that moderate consumption of coffee and caffeine on a regular basis could be beneficial in preventing diseases like type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The study found that compared to people who did not consume caffeine at all or very little per day, those who drank three coffee drinks per day or 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine a day had a reduced risk for new-onset cardiometabolic multimorbidity. This includes conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The research included over 360,000 individuals and found an association between moderate coffee and caffeine intake and a reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
The study highlighted the importance of promoting moderate amounts of coffee or caffeine intake as a dietary habit to healthy individuals for the prevention of cardiometabolic multimorbidity. People with a single cardiometabolic disease may have twice the mortality risk of those without any cardiometabolic diseases, while those with cardiometabolic multimorbidity could have up to seven times the risk of all-cause mortality. The benefits of moderate coffee and caffeine consumption may extend to preventing the loss of physical function and mental stress associated with these conditions. However, it is essential to note that the study only found an association, rather than a causal relationship, between coffee consumption and prevention of cardiometabolic multimorbidity.
Caffeine has been associated with various adverse effects, such as insomnia, depression, incontinence, headaches, and stomach problems. Some individuals with type 2 diabetes have reported an increase in blood glucose levels after consuming caffeine, potentially due to impaired insulin action. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that healthy adults limit their caffeine intake to about 400 mg per day, equivalent to 4-5 cups of coffee. Different caffeinated beverages contain varying amounts of caffeine, with each 8-ounce cup of coffee typically containing between 95 to 200 mg of caffeine.
Experts have noted that the beneficial properties of coffee and tea extend beyond caffeine and may include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism. While caffeine can raise blood pressure and heart rates, it also has positive effects on insulin sensitivity, fat turnover, and blood vessel dilation. The study focused on moderate caffeine intake of around 200-300 mg per day, suggesting that at this level, caffeine may have protective benefits for the cardiometabolic system. However, not all caffeinated beverages offer the same benefits as coffee and tea, and certain populations, such as those with high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, anxiety disorders, or pregnant women, may need to limit their caffeine intake.
In conclusion, moderate consumption of coffee and caffeine on a regular basis may help prevent cardiometabolic multimorbidity, which includes conditions like type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. While the study found an association between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases, further research is needed to establish a causal relationship. It is essential to consider individual health conditions and caffeine tolerance when determining appropriate caffeine intake levels. Overall, promoting moderate coffee and caffeine intake as part of a healthy diet may offer benefits for cardiometabolic health in some individuals.
