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Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee

Coffee has often been labeled as a potential culprit for various health concerns, especially regarding cardiovascular health. However, recent studies suggest that coffee may actually have some surprising health benefits. (1)

One of coffee’s hidden perks is its fiber content. Just one cup of coffee contains more fiber than a glass of orange juice, and two cups contain more fiber than a banana. In fact, three cups of coffee contribute to about a quarter of your recommended daily fiber intake. (2)

In addition to fiber, coffee is rich in polyphenols. These plant compounds help plants defend against environmental stressors and, in humans, they support a healthy microbiome. Polyphenols also have benefits for cardiovascular health and blood glucose management. A specific bacteria in our microbiome called Lawsonibacter produces a chemical compound called quinic acid (3), which has been shown to lower blood pressure (4) and promote insulin release (5).

Caffeine, a well-known stimulant in coffee, serves as a defense mechanism for the coffee plant against predators. However, not everyone metabolizes caffeine the same way. Some people, particularly women, are less efficient at metabolizing caffeine, which can lead to jitteriness or discomfort. Luckily, if you’re sensitive to caffeine but still want to reap the benefits of coffee, decaffeinated coffee has been shown to offer similar advantages without the side effects. Additionally, eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli can help speed up caffeine metabolism. (6)

Another important factor to consider is the type of coffee bean. Coffee made from the Robusta bean contains more caffeine because these beans grow at lower altitudes and require more protection from environmental stressors. As a result, Robusta beans are typically found in less expensive, instant coffees. On the other hand, Arabica coffee beans contain less caffeine as they grow at higher altitudes and need less protection (7).