Check out this answer from Consensus:
Espresso coffee, like other forms of coffee, offers several potential health benefits, including protective effects against certain cancers, improved cardiovascular and metabolic health, and reduced risk of chronic kidney disease. However, the variability in caffeine content and potential short-term effects on heart rate and blood pressure warrant caution, particularly for vulnerable populations. Overall, moderate consumption of espresso coffee can be part of a healthy diet, but individuals should be mindful of their caffeine intake and consult healthcare professionals if they have specific health concerns.
Espresso coffee is a popular beverage enjoyed by millions worldwide for its rich flavor and stimulating effects. However, there has been ongoing debate about its health implications. This article aims to explore the potential health benefits and risks associated with espresso coffee consumption, drawing on recent scientific research.
Health Benefits of Espresso Coffee
Protective Effects Against Cancer
Several studies have highlighted the potential protective effects of coffee, including espresso, against various types of cancer. Research indicates that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of digestive tract cancers (oral, esophageal, gastric, and colorectal) and liver cancer. The bioactive compounds in coffee, such as caffeine, trigonelline, and chlorogenic acid, are believed to play a significant role in these protective effects by modulating molecular targets involved in cancer development1.
Cardiovascular Health
The relationship between coffee consumption and cardiovascular health has been extensively studied. Habitual consumption of 3-5 cups of coffee per day has been associated with a 15% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers. However, individuals with uncontrolled hypertension should avoid large doses of caffeine3. Additionally, moderate coffee intake has been shown to be part of a healthy diet, with no significant adverse effects on cardiovascular health4.
Metabolic Health
Coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and improved liver function. The bioactive compounds in coffee, such as polyphenols and diterpenes, have antioxidant properties and may reduce insulin resistance and inflammation4 8. Furthermore, coffee intake has been associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related outcomes, including end-stage kidney disease and albuminuria7.
Potential Risks of Espresso Coffee
Variability in Caffeine Content
One of the concerns with espresso coffee is the variability in caffeine content. Studies have shown significant differences in caffeine levels among commercial espresso coffees, with some containing up to 322 mg of caffeine per serving. This variability can pose risks for certain populations, such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with liver disease, who may unknowingly consume excessive caffeine10.
Short-term Effects on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Research on the short-term effects of espresso coffee on heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure has produced mixed results. While some studies found no specific short-term effects of caffeinated espresso on vagal activity, others reported increased systolic blood pressure in non-habitual coffee consumers6. These findings suggest that individual responses to espresso coffee may vary, and caution is advised for those with cardiovascular concerns.
Is espresso coffee bad for your health?
Michael McMullen has answered Unlikely
An expert from University of Westminster in Nutrition, Pharmocognosy
Only in the rarest of circumstances can drinking espresso coffee have a negative effect on health.
Considering the negatives:
-all hot drinks can damage the mucous membranes of the mouth are throat, however espresso coffee is not drunk very hot whereas hot tea may be very hot. Esophagus cancer may be related to hot tea drinking but not espresso coffee.
-ovarian cancer appears to be related to coffee intake, but not specifically espresso coffee.
Women with ovarian problems could consider removing coffee and caffeinated products from their diet.
-quality espresso coffee is made only from Arabica coffee beans (not Robusta) so that a single shot made from 7½ g ground coffee contains 60-70 mg caffeine. Intake of caffeine greater than 400 mg may produce “caffeinism”, so too much coffee is a problem. Notably, in Finland about 20% of the coffee drinking population exceed 800 mg caffeine daily. Robusta beans contain twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica and should be avoided if there are caffeine concerns. Robusta is used for instant coffee and by some coffee chains where the coffee taste is partly negated additives such as milk and sugars.
-coffee contains fats that increase cholesterol, particularly boiled and percolated coffee. For drip coffee, the paper filter soaks up these fats but not the reusable plastic filter. Espresso coffee contains only a limited number of these fats because the water temperature is lower and the exposure time shorter with espresso preparation than other methods of preparation.
-some people with digestive, thyroid and brain function problems feel bad when they drink coffee, obviously they should avoid espresso coffee. pregnant women should restrict caffeine to 200 mg per day
-due it’s stimulating activity it may interfere with sleep and perhaps should not be consumed in the evening.
Considering the positives:
-espresso coffee tastes good and brewed roasted coffee, particularly dark roasted, contains extremely high levels of antioxidants – more than blueberries and raspberries – and is an extremely cheap source of antioxidants
-espresso coffee activates the body by stimulating nervous activity via reducing the parasympathetic nervous system rather than by stimulating the hypothalamus- pituitary-adrenal axis
-can clear headaches and reduce blood sugar problems