Coffee, Caffeine and Health: The Real Story

Abstract

Misconceptions about the health effects of coffee and caffeine are common, and, as only a tiny amount of published research ever reaches the public eye, this is perhaps not surprising. The inconsistent and often contradictory results within any subject in coffee/caffeine and health research leads to further confusion, while the stimulatory effects of caffeine are subject to considerable inter‐individual variation, affecting personal attitudes (whether positive or negative) towards caffeinated beverages. Assessing individual research studies on their own merit, and putting into perspective the overall data on a number of health topics, from cardiovascular disease to cancer, does suggest that the health risks of moderate coffee or caffeine consumption are not as great as may have been assumed. Individuals should perhaps not be concerned about the effects of drinking coffee on their physical wellbeing.

Citation

Papadopoulos, S. (1993), "Coffee, Caffeine and Health: The Real Story", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 93 No. 1, pp. 28-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000000980