- : Coffee provides polyphenols and fiber that support gut/heart health and may reduce Type 2 Diabetes risk by 7%
- ndividual variation: Caffeine metabolism varies wildly between people (2-12 hours), affecting sleep, blood pressure, and hormones differently
- Moderation matters: Excessive consumption (5+ cups) can elevate blood pressure, trigger anxiety, and disrupt cortisol and estrogen levels
✅ A SOURCE OF POLYPHENOLS
Coffee has a high concentration of polyphenols, which are beneficial chemicals that have an incredible protective effect on the body - in particular our gut and heart health.
✅ WARDS OFF CERTAIN DISEASES
A review of 18 studies across 500,000 people, found that coffee consumption reduced instances of Type 2 Diabetes by 7%. Some studies have suggested that drinking coffee can reduce liver cancer and may increase lifespan.
❌ ELEVATES BLOOD PRESSURE
Research has shown that drinking 5 cups of coffee may elevate blood pressure, which can be dangerous in people with hypertension. As people react differently to caffeine, it’s important to understand one’s own limitations when it comes to consumption.
❌ SLEEP DISRUPTOR
A lack of sleep can have a profound impact on your overall health. Although we have rough guidelines - around 300mg per day, less if you’re pregnant - the impact on your sleep varies from person to person.
Some people experience trouble getting to sleep and disturbed sleep as a consequence of drinking any coffee, while others barely feel it - in fact some people can eradicate the effect of caffeine in as little as 2 hours, others it can take 12 hours for caffeine to leave the body.
❌ HORMONE HEALTH
Caffeine consumption can impact circulating hormone levels in the body. It is well-known that it influences cortisol (the “stress hormone”), but studies have also shown that it can increase oestrogen levels too. There is also some evidence to suggest that excessive caffeine consumption can impact male fertility.
✅ A SOURCE OF FIBRE
Coffee can be a reliable source of soluble fibre, which feeds your gut microbes, for better gut health. Read the study here.
❌ CAFFEINE INDUCED ANXIETY
There is an association between the overuse of caffeine and anxiety, and caffeine can mimic symptoms of anxiety or worsen anxiety in some people.
❌ / ✅ STIMULATES THE BLADDER & COLON
Contrary to popular belief, coffee is not diuretic. However, it can have an effect on the bladder wall, which makes you need to wee more often. It also has a laxative effect in some people, which can help people who are constipated - however if it gives you diarrhoea, you should alter your dose.
