Physiological effects of coffee and human health. A review

Abstract

In this review, we summarize the main known effects of coffee and caffeine on health based on the numerous studies performed over the last ten years. These recent studies report the beneficial properties of moderate doses of coffee (3-4 cups per day) on alertness, vigilance, and cognitive abilities. On the other hand, coffee can disturb sleep and generate anxiety. Its lifelong consumption slows down normal cognitive aging and reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes and numerous cancers (cancers of the digestive tract, breast, endometrial and skin cancer in particular). Coffee has no negative impact on the cardiovascular system; it stimulates digestion and needs to be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. The data summarized in this review come from animal and human studies and in many cases they originate from meta-analyses published in the area of interest. This large wealth of data played a critical role in the change from the earlier prevalent negative view that coffee had negative effects on health to the present view that coffee consumed in moderation can be part of a balanced diet and may even be rather good for health. © 2007 John Libbey Eurotext.