Coffee. Facts and controversies
G. M. Etherton and M. S. Kochar
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
In this article, we review current literature on coffee, both regular and
decaffeinated, and its potential effects in humans. Moderate coffee
consumption is believed to have no persistent effect on blood pressure.
Large intake of coffee may increase total cholesterol levels; boiled coffee
increases cholesterol levels more than filtered coffee. Consuming more than
four cups per day may be associated with increased risk of acute myocardial
infarction. There appears to be an association between urinary bladder
cancer and coffee consumption. No association was found between ingestion
of coffee and incidence of duodenal ulcer and ulcerative colitis. Increased
coffee consumption by pregnant women appears to decrease fetal birth
weight. Fetal heart rate, respiration, and both maternal and fetal anemia
are increased with coffee consumption but coffee has not been shown to be
teratogenic. Coffee consumption appears to pose no particular threat in
most people if consumed in moderation. Naturally decaffeinated,
filter-brewed coffee further diminishes its potential harmful effects.
