Does daily coffee affect your health? Signs that require attention
Amman3 min read
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Despite the benefits of coffee and its place in the daily routine of many, consuming it may affect iron absorption, increase symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in some people, and its preparation method may affect cholesterol levels. Its health impact depends on the amount of consumption, the method of preparation, and the individual's health status.
The Office of Dietary Supplements at the US National Institutes of Health explains that iron found in food is divided into two types: heme and non-heme iron.
Non-heme iron is found in plant-based foods and iron-fortified cereals, while meat, poultry, and seafood provide both types. Heme iron is characterized by being less affected by other food components.
A study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" showed that drinking coffee with a meal may reduce the absorption of non-heme iron, with the effect varying depending on the concentration of the coffee. Therefore, the timing of consumption may be important, especially for people who suffer from or are at risk of iron deficiency.
Coffee contains the compounds cafestol and kahweol, which are compounds that may contribute to raising blood cholesterol levels.
According to Uppsala University in Sweden, the method of preparing coffee affects the amount of these compounds present in the drink. Paper filters used in drip coffee makers trap most of them, while larger amounts may remain in coffee prepared using methods that do not use paper filtration.
Consequently, choosing paper-filtered coffee may be a suitable option for people seeking to limit the impact of coffee on cholesterol levels.
Coffee may trigger or increase the severity of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in some people, but this effect is not the same for everyone.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases indicates that reflux triggers may include coffee and other sources of caffeine, in addition to citrus fruits, tomatoes, and high-fat foods.
It is recommended to observe the foods and drinks that increase symptoms and discuss appropriate dietary changes with a doctor, rather than abstaining from coffee or other foods unnecessarily.
The US Food and Drug Administration explains that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is generally not associated with negative effects in most healthy adults, but this amount is not a suitable limit for everyone, as people's sensitivity to caffeine and the speed of its metabolism in the body vary.
Also, a fixed number of cups of coffee cannot be determined to equal this amount, due to the difference in cup sizes and caffeine concentration from one drink to another.
Caffeine from all sources should be calculated, including tea, energy drinks, and some medications, while consulting a healthcare provider regarding the appropriate amount during pregnancy and breastfeeding or when there are health conditions and medications that may increase sensitivity to caffeine.
The existence of these effects does not mean that one must give up coffee; rather, some simple factors can be considered, such as choosing paper-filtered coffee when there is a need to control cholesterol, avoiding consuming it with iron-rich meals if iron absorption is a concern, and monitoring its effect on reflux symptoms and sleep.
Ultimately, the health effects of coffee are not determined only by its type or quantity, but are also influenced by the method of its preparation, the person's health status, and their tolerance to caffeine.
