Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and definitely the most consumed in Canada, along with water. In fact, according to the Coffee Association of Canada's 2020 report, 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 infusing roasted and ground coffee beans. Coffee contains caffeine, vitamin B2, magnesium and polyphenols. The scientific literature on coffee suggests that its consumption would have beneficial effects for health. Let's learn more about this popular drink.
Some peculiarities of coffee
The type of beans, degree of roast and grind size are some of the things that can vary from coffee to coffee. In terms of coffee beans, there are several varieties. The most widespread are the Arabica variety (70%) and the Robusta variety (30%). They are mainly distinguished by their origin, as well as by the conditions necessary for their growth. Robusta, as its name suggests, is tougher and easier to grow. Arabica is more delicate and more difficult to grow. It requires special environmental conditions.
Then the roast of the 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 little acidity.
Finally, the size of the grind generally varies depending on the coffee machine used. For example, a fine grind is suitable for espresso machines, a medium grind for filter coffee makers and a coarse grind for French presses.
Coffee consumption and health
Research has studied the health effects of coffee for many years. Current data suggest that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of various diseases, includingType 2 diabetes and some cancers. Indeed, data from a literature review published in 2020 suggests that the consumption of caffeinated coffee does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. On the contrary, the daily consumption of three to five cups of coffee has been associated with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. Therefore, these data suggest that moderate coffee consumption may be part of a healthy lifestyle in healthy adults (van Dam, 2020).
Coffee and caffeine
As mentioned above, coffee is a source of caffeine, as are tea, cocoa, yerba mate, guarana, and other beverages (eg:energy drinks). Consumed in excess, caffeine can cause side effects, such as insomnia, irritability, nervousness, increased heart rate and headaches. Health Canada recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, or about three cups of brewed coffee. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, this recommendation drops to 300 mg of caffeine per day or about two cups of brewed coffee. However, not all people react the same way to caffeine. For people sensitive to caffeine, decaffeinated coffee can be a good alternative. According to research, decaffeinated coffee has similar benefits to regular coffee.
In conclusion, research suggests that moderate coffee consumption would reduce the risk of various chronic diseases. However, current data do not allow to recommend the consumption of coffee to prevent diseases. It is therefore not necessary to start drinking coffee or increase its consumption to improve your 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/Cafeine/Up to%E2%80%99a-the-last-drop!.aspx
- https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2017/63362a-eng.php_ga=2.260668495.397117004.1532346577-31168303.14962561600
- van Dam, R.M., Hu, F.B., & Willett, W.C. (2020). Coffee, Caffeine, and Health.The New England journal of medicine,383(4), 369378. 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