The biological effects of coffee may be substantial and are not limited to the actions of caffeine. Coffee is a complex beverage containing hundreds of biologically-active compounds and the health effects of chronic coffee are wide-ranging. This review examined the effects of coffee consumption on cardiovascular health and all-cause mortality. From a cardiovascular standpoint, coffee consumption may reduce the risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as other conditions such as obesity and depression, but it may adversely affect lipid profiles depending on how the beverage is prepared. A growing body of data suggests that habitual coffee consumption is neutral to beneficial regarding the risks for a variety of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke. Large epidemiological studies suggest that regular coffee drinkers have reduced risks for mortality, both cardiovascular and all-cause. The potential benefits also include protection against neurodegenerative diseases, improved asthma control, and lower risk of select gastrointestinal diseases. Most of the data are based on observational data, with very few randomized controlled studies and an association does not prove causation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013 July. PMID: 23871889
