Three Surprising Effects of Coffee

Who doesn’t like coffee?

Except my wife, miracle woman that she is, who made it through medical school, residency and parenting toddlers without developing a taste for this elixir. In general, moderate coffee consumption has not been shown to be harmful and may be a net benefit in terms of heart health, but how you enjoy it may affect that.

French press vs filtered coffee

Unfiltered coffee, such as a French press brew, is higher in diterpenes, which are associated with increased arterial plaque production. Paper filters remove these potentially harmful compounds. Unfiltered coffee may increase total cholesterol levels, whereas filtered coffee helps HDL, commonly thought of as “good cholesterol,” remove harmful lipids from blood vessel wall cells. This effect is attributed to the higher concentration of plasma phenolic acid compared to diterpenes.

The effect of coffee on blood pressure

Surprisingly, coffee may lower blood pressure. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a compound found abundantly in coffee that may have multiple beneficial effects. Green coffee beans have the highest amounts of chlorogenic acid. Coffee brewed with green (unroasted) beans is apparently unpleasant. Lighter roast preserve more CGA than a darker roast, and this compound contributes to lower blood pressure and antioxidant properties. Regular moderate coffee consumption is associated with reductions in blood pressure overtime.

Coffee and heart rhythms

Individual results may vary, but coffee consumption is not associated with an increase in arrhythmias (irregular or fast heartbeats). A very large study including nearly 400,000 people concluded that coffee consumption may decrease the risk of arrhythmias. In the study they even accounted for differences in coffee metabolism and found that this had no impact on the result.

Summary

Filtered coffee is better for cholesterol and plaque control than unfiltered coffee. Lighter roasts preserve antioxidant compounds that may lower blood pressure, and coffee does not seem to increase the risk of heart rhythm problems. There you have it—enjoy your coffee, but remember that moderation is key.

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References

• Mendoza et al, Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health, Oschner Journal 2023

As always, health is personal, and for personalized advice please consult your healthcare professional.