Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world.  There have been numerous studies of the affects of coffee on our health, especially long-term coffee consumption and heavy drinkers of coffee.  Most of the studies reveal that long-term coffee consumption may not increase the risk of coronary heart disease for most Americans, even if they drink six or more cups a day. 

Researchers say however, these results did not exclude the possibility that coffee may increase the risk of coronary heart disease for “some people.”

One example, a recent study suggested coffee could be detrimental in people with certain genotypes.  These findings still require confirmation.

Studies consistently show that drinking a lot of French press coffee increases low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the bad cholesterol.

Researchers also say that even though the topic of coffee drinking and cardiovascular disease has been studied extensively, the findings have been inconsistent.  They also say they recently found that people who drink more coffee have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

In one study some of the key findings include:

• Frequent coffee drinking was very much associated with men and women who smoked cigarettes also.  Most men and women who drank six or more cups of coffee a day also smoked
• People who drink alcohol, use aspirin, not likely to drink tea, not likely to exercise or use multivitamins and vitamin E supplements were heavy coffee drinkers
• There was no significant difference in risk of CHD between women who frequently drank decaffeinated coffee and women who did not
• There was no significant difference in total cholesterol, good or bad cholesterol in men and women coffee drinkers whether they favored caffeinated or decaffeinated
• Researchers found no difference in CHD risk associated with drinking coffee between people with or without type 2 diabetes.

The above findings were from a study done in 2006 that was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

High caffeine intake affects upon the risk of coronary heart disease is still under study according to the American Heart Association.  However, researchers and the American Heart Association seem to be in agreement that moderate coffee drinking, one to two cups per day is not harmful.

Source:  American Heart Association

Disclaimer:  The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider.  Please consult your health care provider for advice about specific medical concerns.