Coffee is a complex mix of many different chemicals that can have both positive and negative effects. Research suggests java may have health benefits, reducing the risk of a number of conditions, including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and liver cancer. However, coffee can also cause anxiety, restlessness, high cholesterol, dehydration and other health problems. Consuming coffee moderately usually reduces or eliminates coffee’s adverse effects.
Anxiety and Restlessness
According to the American Heart Association, coffee stimulates the central nervous system, which can cause restlessness, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, tremors and insomnia. This stimulating effect is largely due to coffee’s high caffeine content. A cup of java packs a more powerful caffeine punch than tea -- a cup of generic brewed coffee has 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine compared to 14 to 61 milligrams in a cup of black tea, reports MayoClinic.com. Some java drinkers are more sensitive to these adverse stimulating effects than others.
Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
High coffee consumption can cause mild increases in cholesterol. In an analysis of 14 studies reported by Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute, unfiltered coffee increased total cholesterol by an average of 23 milligrams per deciliter and LDL cholesterol by 14 milligrams per deciliter, while filtered coffee caused very little change in cholesterol levels. In filtered coffee, ground coffee is poured into a paper filter and hot water runs through the coffee; the filter removes the grounds, as well as diterpenes, fat-soluble compounds that have been found to raise cholesterol. Linus Pauling Institute says that 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated coffee may raise blood pressure in some people, but it’s unknown if these potential cholesterol and blood pressure increases raise the risk of heart disease as that is still under study, according to the American Heart Association.
Other Adverse Effects
The caffeine in coffee affects the kidneys, causing more frequent urination, which could lead to dehydration. Excess consumption of caffeinated coffee can also cause heart palpitations, tremors, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Some research suggests caffeine might increase the risk of miscarriage and affect fetal growth, so pregnant women should limit coffee or abstain from it completely. If you’re pregnant, consult your doctor before enjoying your morning cup of joe.
Abruptly giving up coffee can have adverse effects. Caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches, anxiety, fatigue, drowsiness and depression. If you’ve been a heavy caffeinated coffee drinker, expect symptoms to start 12 to 24 hours after you last cup. The Linus Pauling Institute says giving up caffeine gradually is less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms. Also keep in mind that enjoying your java with sugar and cream adds fat and sugar to your diet, increasing the risk of weight problems. If you can’t bear to part with your morning joe, drink it moderately with skim milk or without any accompaniments. Because of coffee’s potential adverse effects, the American Heart Association advises limiting yourself to 1 to 2 cups per day.
- coffee and coffee-mill image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com