Good or bad?
Historically, there has been concern that coffee was unhealthy, particularly for people with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease. However, new studies cast doubt on this long-held belief. A recent study of more than 500,000 Europeans found that drinking coffee was associated with a reduced risk of death from various causes. Another study reviewing the scientific literature found that drinking three to four cups of black coffee daily provides the greatest health benefits overall, though it contained caveats for pregnant women and women with a higher likelihood of bone fractures.
While the latest research might sound great for committed coffee-drinkers, Dr. Mayrene Hernandez, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Florida, said it’s not quite that simple. The research shows that coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death. However, it can’t say that coffee was the reason that people lived longer. “There are just too many other variables,” Dr. Hernandez said.
Clearly, getting to the bottom of coffee’s impact on overall health can be complicated. It is muddied further by the fact that habits of coffee drinkers are difficult to study. “First, researchers have no way to control or monitor coffee consumption. Second, these studies rely on participants self-reporting, which is subject to memory and many forms of bias,” said Dr. Hernandez.
Even with the conflicting historical data, it probably is reasonable to conclude that coffee is not harmful. “It’s premature to say it improves health and longevity, but it may ultimately be determined to be good for us,” she said. She added that if there do turn out to be benefits, one would have to believe those are related to the active ingredient: caffeine.
Another important point to keep in mind is that the debate is specifically about coffee – not the flavor shots and creamers you may be adding. Dr. Hernandez notes: “Sugar and creamer may add substantial calories and fat to an otherwise calorie free beverage. The impact of sugar will be particularly important for people with diabetes or those trying to cut back on calories.”
Dr. Hernandez concludes: “If a person enjoys drinking coffee, they should do so for that reason alone. It is probably not detrimental. It may be beneficial. But it is not really reasonable to drink coffee for its possible benefits if one really doesn’t like the experience of coffee drinking.”
Deciphering the latest truths and myths around food and other wellness topics can be confusing at best. Conflicting news articles and social media reports may leave us craving more info. While one article touts the benefits of a trending food, another may suggest avoiding it altogether. A new UnitedHealthcare series, “Debunking Your Diet,” hopes to help consumers make informed health decisions. The goal is to arm readers with knowledge backed by scientifically proven studies and accredited health experts. As always, check with your provider regarding specifics related to your health and wellbeing. For more information, visit www.newsroom.uhc.com.