Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and definitely the most consumed in Canada, along with water. Indeed, according to the 2020 report from the Canadian Coffee Association, 71% of Canadian adults drink at least one cup of coffee per day, and the average coffee drinker consumes about 2.7 cups per day.
This popular hot drink is made by brewing roasted and ground coffee beans. Coffee contains caffeine and vitamin B2, magnesium, and polyphenols. The scientific literature on coffee suggests that its consumption may have beneficial effects on health. Let's learn more about this popular beverage.
Some characteristics of coffee
The type of beans, the degree of roasting, and the grind size are among the elements that can vary from one coffee to another. Regarding coffee beans, there are several varieties. The most common are the Arabica variety (70%) and the Robusta variety (30%). They are mainly distinguished by their origin, as well as the conditions required for their growth. Robusta, as its name suggests, is more resilient and easier to cultivate. Arabica is more delicate and harder to grow. It requires specific environmental conditions.
Then, the roasting of coffee beans can be light, medium, or dark. A lighter roast is associated with a lighter-colored bean and higher acidity. A darker roast produces a black bean with low acidity.
Finally, the grind size generally varies depending on the coffee machine used. For example, a fine grind is suitable for espresso machines, a medium grind for drip coffee makers, and a coarse grind for French press coffee makers.
Coffee Consumption and Health
Research has been studying the effects of coffee on health for many years. Current data suggest that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Indeed, data from a literature review published in 2020 suggest that the consumption of caffeinated coffee does not increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. On the contrary, the daily consumption of three to five cups of coffee has been associated with a decreased risk of several chronic diseases. Therefore, these data suggest that moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle in healthy adults (van Dam, 2020).
Coffee and caffeine
As mentioned above, coffee is a source of caffeine, just like tea, cocoa, yerba mate, guarana, and other beverages (e.g.: energy drinks). When consumed in excess, caffeine can cause side effects such as insomnia, irritability, nervousness, increased heart rate, and headaches. Health Canada recommends that healthy adults do not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is about three cups of brewed coffee. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, this recommendation decreases to 300 mg of caffeine per day, or about two cups of brewed coffee. However, individuals do not all react the same way to caffeine. For those sensitive to caffeine, decaffeinated coffee can be a good alternative. According to research, decaffeinated coffee may have similar benefits to regular coffee.
In conclusion, research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of various chronic diseases. However, current data do not support recommending coffee consumption to prevent diseases. Therefore, it is not necessary to start drinking coffee or to increase consumption to improve health.
References
- https://lenoirlacroix.ca/cafe-arabica-ou-robusta-lequel-choisir/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coffee/
- https://cancerfactfinder.org/diet-nutrition/coffee/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/caffeine/
- https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Caffeine/To-the-Last-Drop!.aspx
- https://canadiensensante.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2017/63362a-eng.php?_ga=2.260668495.397117004.1532346577-31168303.1496256160
- van Dam, R. M., Hu, F. B., & Willett, W. C. (2020). Coffee, Caffeine, and Health. The New England journal of medicine, 383(4), 369–378. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1816604
- https://632419-2056279-raikfcquaxqncofqfm.stackpathdns.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CAC-Coffee-Consumption-and-COVID19-Infographic-2020.pdf