Coffee is one of the most loved beverages around the world and for good reason. From increased energy levels to better concentration, it benefits us in so many ways, which is why we choose it every day.
Now, new research published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reports that regular consumption of moderate amounts of coffee and caffeine may have a protective effect against multiple cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
According to the researchers who authored the study, regular coffee or caffeine intake, especially at moderate levels, was associated with a lower risk of new-onset cardiometabolic multimorbidity, a term used to refer to the coexistence of at least two cardiometabolic diseases.
Coffee VS Cardiometabolic Diseases
Compared to those who did not drink coffee or consumed less than 100 mg of caffeine per day, those with moderate coffee (3 drinks per day) or caffeine (200-300 mg per day) consumption appeared to have a 48.1% and 40.7% reduction in risk, respectively, of developing at least two cardiometabolic diseases.
The researchers based their findings on data from the UK Biobank, a large and detailed database.
The study included a total of 172,315 subjects who did not have cardiometabolic disease at baseline for caffeine analyses and 188,091 subjects for coffee and tea consumption analyses.
Participants’ cardiometabolic disease outcomes were determined from self-reported medical conditions, primary care data, hospital data, and death registries linked to the UK Biobank.
Coffee and caffeine intake at all levels appeared to be inversely associated with cardiometabolic disease risk in previously undiagnosed participants. Those who reported moderate coffee or caffeine consumption also appeared to have the lowest risk, the researchers note.
While new findings are encouraging and the health benefits of coffee appear to be increasing, it is important to consume it in moderation and avoid excess, as it increases the risk of side effects such as irritability, difficulty sleeping and anxiety.