Coffee! It's Not Bad for You, and It might Even be Good!

When I was a kid, my parents refused to let me drink coffee because they believed it would "stunt my growth". It turns out, of course, this is a myth. Studies have failed, again and again, to show that coffee or caffeine consumption are related to reduced bone mass or how tall people are. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Break out your supersized cup of joe, cause coffee is the topic of this week's Healthcare
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[@elliottmcollins]

It blows my mind that 5 cups of coffee in a day is considered "moderate".

[@Sixthhokage95]

Elliott Collins 5 cups as in the unit of measurement equal to 8 oz. For comparison, a Starbucks tall size drink is 12 oz (1.5 cups), a grande is 16 oz (2 cups), and a venti is 20 oz (2.5 cups).

[@elliottmcollins]

Yeah, I wonder how many people notice that. Even so, having noticed that, two 20-ounce cups makes me feel like a damn junkie. I do it, but I don't feel like I'm being moderate.

[@JeaneAdix]

I'm on the other side. I drink 4-5 medium cups a day. Coffee is good, coffee is life.

[@DarthLoompa]

Sixy You are right, except that a "cup" of coffee (as measured by your coffee maker) is 6 oz. A typical coffee mug holds about two "cups" of coffee.

[@Sixthhokage95]

Joe Dohm The video explicitly says, in discussing the results of "Long-term coffee consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease", 8 ounce cups. As this is a standardized unit of measure, unlike the 6 oz cup marks on many coffee makers, it would make sense to assume that a scientific study would use the 8 oz measure.

[@lordcrunk4790]

I'm pouring it in my eyes as we speak

[@ireallyhatemakingupnamesfo1758]

So the moral of that you should never listen to your parents when they tell you to do something

[@snedzy1506]

That's right. Listen to the youtube people instead kids 👌

[@kinarast]

Lmao

[@danielclark1314]

As a 20 year coffee fiend, I can attest that there are side effects to withdrawal that can't be ignored, despite the positive affects suggested by the research. Nothing comes without a price.

[@tonymcreative]

What about Broccoli?

[@chiefpriestmalakyaahlahada6748]

Then don't drink so much coffee.Drink a cup a day.

[@C0nc0rdance]

Worth mentioning that pretty strong evidence suggests even moderate amounts of caffeine (200-300 mg/day) consumption during pregnancy are correlated to increased risk of low birth weight babies. That's two to three 8 oz. cups, or one big travel mug. Evid Based Nurs. 2015 Mar 18. "Review: higher caffeine intake during pregnancy increases risk of low birth weight."

[@lydialutz]

aaaaack, I should have drunk more coffee during pregnancy. I only drank 8 to 12 oz per day and had 9 pound babies! (j/k)

[@C0nc0rdance]

*Precautionary principle* might suggest that women who are pregnant or might be pregnant should taper it down or avoid coffee altogether: "Greater caffeine intake is associated with an increase in spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, and SGA, but not preterm delivery. There is no identifiable threshold below which the associations are not apparent, but the size of the associations are generally modest within the range of usual intake and are potentially explained by bias in study design or publication." Eur J Epidemiol. 2014 Oct;29(10):725-34. "Caffeine intake during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis."

[@afgncaapthegreat2706]

By "spontaneous abortion" you mean "miscarriage", yeah?

[@C0nc0rdance]

AFGNCAAP the great I didn't choose the term, the authors did, but those are synonyms, to my knowledge.

[@afgncaapthegreat2706]

Good, good. Just checking.

[@johnharvey5412]

AFGNCAAP the great I think "spontaneous abortion" is the preferred term in most medical literature. I don't know why.

[@afgncaapthegreat2706]

The image that the phrase conjures is just... terrifying

[@KeithBallardA]

Patreon? That seems odd since the vlogbrothers have such close ties to Subbable. To Google! "Subbable and Patreon are joining forces! Subbable will be shutting down this summer and all Subbable Creators are moving to Patreon." Oh,

[@elliottmcollins]

Keith Ballard Yeah, Subbable is now the virus to Patreon's white blood cell.

[@AssClappicus]

What? They merged ages ago, and it was a very happy merge and everyone previously on Subbale switched to Patreon and regained all their supporters plus more. No idea what you two are on about.

[@pummisher1186]

Keith Ballard What exactly is the problem?

[@KeithBallardA]

Josh Derak I don't know why you think there's a problem.

[@elliottmcollins]

Cwikstopher Bitchems Yeah, who's on about whatnow?

[@tadashimori]

Great channel! It's always good to find a video supporting my addiction to coffee, haha.

[@annakaiser278]

From a personal standpoint I was always allowed to drink coffee as a child. It was exceedingly common for me to get up at 6 in the morning and have a small cup of coffee with my mom while she got ready for work. In all honesty, it is one of the strongest memories I have as a child because it became my routine every morning. This little, child-sized cup of coffee in the morning when I was little didn’t have a major effect on me growing up, I mean my mom drank decaf coffee so it was more for the taste than anything. And it definitely didn’t turn me in to a bigger coffee drinker as a got older, I actually only recently started drinking coffee again because, up until about a year ago, I couldn’t stand the taste. So why is coffee drinking such a big controversy in today’s medical world? Studies have even shown that coffee drinkers have either no increased risk, or a LOWER risk of certain diseases and health issues if they drink a moderate amount of coffee. In one study it was even found that those who drank excessive amounts of coffee (seven or more cups per day) were still found to have a lower risk of certain diseases, such as diabetes, than those that didn’t drink coffee. As stated in the video, most people don’t drink coffee because they think it is going to prevent them from getting diseases, but they actually try to lower their coffee consumption because of all of the bad press that has been surrounding it for years even though recent studies have found that coffee may actually be good for you! I think that as long as you are happy with your daily consumption of coffee, and your doctor hasn’t pointed out any potential risks linked to eat, go ahead and reach for that second cup!

[@Ditocoaf]

My sister doesn't want to drink coffee regularly because she doesn't want to risk going through withdrawal if she fails to get her coffee one day. I drink 2-4 cups a day every day, and definitely experience headaches and sometimes even nausea if I miss getting any. That kind of dependency scares my sister, but is totally worthwhile to me!

[@MrThwor]

Now here is the tricky question for you, what if I want to put MILK in my coffee?! Joking aside great video.

[@hankrearden20]

Rodrigo de Toni If anything like tea, not good. It might nullify alot of the agents in coffee that bestow those benefits mentioned in the video.

[@veegaanmyooon44]

Rodrigo de Toni Dairy is bad for you. No other mammal drinks dairy past infancy. Dairy is associated with obesity and heart diseases. There's nothing in Dairy that can't be found in other much healthier foods without all the loaded hormones.

[@veegaanmyooon44]

Chara better check primates? Other primates don't suck the udders of ruminants either... Cow's milk is filled with saturated trans fats. It's filled with mammalian hormones and it's filled with cholesterol. It also provides 0 unique nutrients or benefits that can't easily be found elsewhere. Also drinking calories is a very easy way to get fat to begin with.

[@Frickenadazzal]

Vex Spice I've seen other animals "mother" other species. Their not thinking "oh I'll get fat" there just trying to survive. They don't think like you do.

[@charliechan6892]

Vex Spice dairy is a big term, this includes anything that has butter, milk, cream, or anything in between as an ingredient. But first of all, quit comparing us to a bunch of wild beasts in the savannah, maybe they should drink dairy, they might actually do something productive for the world.

[@marisashepard4790]

The only reason I cut back on coffee is due to anxiety. Caffeine has been one of the greatest agitators of anxiety in my experience! But, I'm a barista and I love the stuff, so I'll never stop drinking it completely. Are there any changes in the potential benefits when coffee is decaffeinated?

[@digitalvideoguys]

Same here. I switched to half caffeine / half decaf. Then i switched to all decaf but now i rarely drink it.

[@-cosmicrogue-]

My mother has always been wary of coffee, yet chain drinks Pepsi. I always tease her by asking why she doesn't just dump teaspoons of sugar down her throat instead. I'm sure her pancreas hates her.

[@Mithreniel]

I knew a chick in college who would eat a couple sugar cubes. It always seemed weird, but when you look at the visuals of the amount of sugar cubes in cereal, soda, and other sugary things, that chick eating one or two cubes was making smarter choices, lol

[@jackfruth3738]

But EVERY SINGLE ONE of these studies deals with BLACK COFFEE! As a 24 year old i dont know a single person under the age of 40 that drinks black coffee (and here come the comments from people drinking black coffee since they were 4), they all drink 400 calorie, milk and sugared up Starbucks "coffee". A one throwaway line about the stuff we put in our coffee isnt enough! You need to acknowledge that the term "coffee" has changed, and constantly keep reminding your audience that this is BLACK COFFEE, not a frappachino.

[@2AFreeState]

Jack Fruth I agree with you that much of what he said should be prefaced with the type of coffee actually consumed. Sugar and cream intake on a daily basis might be enough to offset all the positive effects. There are a good amount of younger people that enjoy straight black coffee though it isnt common. Myself, my brother, and a couple of our friends almost always drink coffee straight and we are in our mid-twenties. Also, a lot of baristas (of all ages) I've met like to drink espresso straight.

[@growingmelancholy8374]

This is why these studies are honestly bullshit and tell us nothing. Correlation does not imply causation

[@gonzaloayalaibarre]

As a 24 year old, I don't know a single person who drinks coffee regularly and doesn't drink it black or with milk, with only about half of those drinking it with added sugar. That being said, the first starbucks in my country opened about a month ago, so we will see if that changes.

[@metaphoricdirigible1499]

That’s true. As someone who has been drinking almost all of my coffee black or with a tablespoon of milk (and only 1-2 cups a day) since I was ten, I sometimes forget that there are plenty of people for whom “coffee” is basically a coffee-flavored milkshake, or who drink enough cups of coffee that even a moderate amount of cream adds up to be significant. Excess sugar is probably the worst dietary scourge of affluent nations today and should be limited to special occasions, not as routine.

[@marinamedrano97]

Well I do agree most elderly folks love black coffee (perhaps due in part to a less sensitive palette over time), I think many more young ppl have become health conscious so I've noticed many of my college friends have converted from frequent large extra sweet vanilla lattes to *black coffee* or even more green/hip matcha without sugar, kinda gross turmeric/acv/detox drinks and kombucha.

[@beccasharp6635]

I really enjoy this video because I grew up thinking that coffee was so horrible because it would stunt my growth or that it would turn me into an addict like my mother who needs coffee in the morning before she can even speak to anyone. I never drank coffee while growing up because I didn’t have any reason for it, I never had a problem waking up or staying awake, until I got to college and I tried it for the first time. I reluctantly say that I may have turned into a version of my mother. In college, you learn very very quickly to do everything in your power to stay awake during that 3 hour 8 am on Monday morning and staying up at night to cram for a huge exam the next morning. I am so glad to know that all the cups of coffee I have consumed in the past 2 years haven’t harmed my body in any way. It amazes me that it may even be good for me. If it can even be associated with preventing cardiovascular disease or other health related problems then I am going to drink away. Coffee is also a healthy alternative source of caffeine for people who need it. Personally if I don’t have my coffee by about 12 every day, I get a head ache from the lack of caffeine so I’d much rather quench this craving with a cup of coffee than with a giant soda.

[@stellarkirbo]

I was always told that coffee stunts my growth since adolescents, I always responded with "I rather not be a tall person"

[@Pandamahn]

What I would like to know is the effect coffee has on mental health. How does X cups affect your mood on a daily basis? Would it improve or impair? And if you can't get your daily dose, how bad is the withdrawal? Does the good outweigh the bad?

[@elliottmcollins]

Pandamahn Based on a number of anecdotes, the answers I've seen are: fantastically, improve, bad, probably.

[@KemaTheAtheist]

Pandamahn The answer to most of those questions is "depends on the person" and the effects on mental health are generally minor.

[@metaphoricdirigible1499]

It would be prudent for someone to experiment to find an ideal dose (within the limits of precision) and try to stick to that more or less. Excess caffeine can trigger migraines (especially bad if you aren’t sleeping enough) or jitteriness, and it can disrupt sleep or decrease the threshold of irritability. Different people, different amounts, different timing.

[@charissawilkinson9270]

@@metaphoricdirigible1499 Caffeine constricts the blood vessels. Migraines are caused by dilated blood vessels. No one that I know who has migraines ever begrudged Coffee. It helps. On that note, a caffeine headache is easier to deal with. There are too many things that contain the substance.

[@pianoman411411]

I discovered my love for coffee shortly after my eighteenth birthday. I just got out of the hospital, and I went to a facility for my psychological health. It was there, shortly after I started the program, that I started drinking coffee. I started to love it probably within a matter of weeks. Then, soon after, I learned how to brew coffee. I have been in love with coffee pretty much ever since I started drinking it. Coffee of course can cause things like a faster pulse, and may even cause anxiety for some people. But coffee does far more good than harm to the human body. As the video says, coffee can prevent against numerous health conditions. It can help heart health and prevent conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzeimer's, and Type 2 Diabetes. And some conditions decrease with the more coffee someone actually drinks. It can even decrease anxiety in people (it does this for many people, including me). So, thus, it is a myth that coffee is bad for you. Coffee also doesn't directly stunt someone's growth, and is only bad for children if consumed in a close time frame to bed since it can prevent deep, consistent, and increased sleep. However, I must confess that if I consistently had drunk coffee as a child, I probably wouldn't be as tall because I love it so much that I would have drunk it before bed.Besides coffee having many health benefits, it just tastes good. And like any food or drink, if had over time, one can learn to have an immense appreciation for it, and it can enhance their lives. For example, so people learn to love pie so much and may join a cooking class as a result. Some people may love eggs so much that they work in a breakfast and lunch restaurant as a cook. Likewise, someone may love coffee so much that they decide to own their own coffee shop with their own brewing techniques. You never know.But regardless of if coffee gives one a big life change, it definitely changes peoples' lives for the better, such as an elevated mood, better concentration, and better memory. This can improve people in their relationships, work, school, and personal lives.Great video, and thanks for posting it!

[@liger411]

when I drink coffee in the morning it leaves me feeling burnt out and exhausted a few hours later, so I try to avoid it recognizing it's only a temporary fix to my energy problems.

[@metaphoricdirigible1499]

Lkvrijn64 I love coffee and it helps me focus on small amounts, but if you try to use it as a substitute for sleep, you’re gonna have a bad time.

[@alexanderthomas9388]

Drinking game: every time you hear meta analysis do a shot of espresso

[@TemporalOnline]

I don't understand this about coffee and children. Here in Brazil coffee is a thing for children in the breakfast (with milk), which we literally(I do mean it) call "coffee of morning" or in a less terrible literal translation, "morning coffee" - Café da manhã.

[@TheHenkalv]

TemporalOnline Might be one of those "we would never get this experiment past a ethics board so we will never know for sure" situations, but if there are records of actual effects out there I would like to see them

[@saerynk]

Henrik Alvik I think he meant that some parents won't like how kids act on caffeine, haha

[@TemporalOnline]

***** Maybe I was a little too inclusive in my statement then, should I have said children 5+? Also, chocolate milk? Since when? For children 5-? Whoa... Children 4- are still in the "special era" for me so I think I should have clarified. Also I should have clarified that my biases for "children" on US is something like "12-" so maybe I should have clarified it even further, 5~12.

[@TemporalOnline]

***** That is strange. My personal experience on a family of lots of uncles and aunts, (granted, only 30 years of this particular family's history and friends) it was presented as a thing for children with milk after 5. I lived in the south by the way. Maybe you live in the north and it is different there? I'm starting to want to have a look to data about this, because I have seen that our costume to eat rice and beans have diminished, but not changed THAT much... but granted, only experience, even if with a big family 11 aunts, 2 uncles, and lots of nephews, nieces, etc.

[@BigEvan96]

I guess because of the fact that it is or was considered an adult beverage, or because of the fact that it has caffeine in it.

[@morganheartsJbiebs]

I am so happy I came across this video. I have always been told while growing up that coffee will stunt my growth and is really bad for me so I am glad to know that I can finally prove those people wrong with this video. This video is filled with evidence on why that statement that we have always been told is not true. First, studies have showed the correlation between coffee and cardiovascular disease. Through this study they found that people who consumed 3-5 8oz cups a day were at the lowest risk for problems and those who had consumed 5 or more cups a day had no higher risk than those who consumed none. Next, looking at coffee and heart failure. Moderate consumption was associated with a lower risk, consumption had to get up to about ten cups a day before any bad results were seen. In addition, coffee and cancer. Evidence suggests that coffee is not associated with breast cancer, liver cancer, and prostate cancer. However, data on lung cancer shows an increased risk for more coffee consumed, but only among people that smoke. Overall, the more you drink coffee the more protection was seen regarding cancer. The video continues to show evidence on why coffee is not so bad after all. Although coffee is being found as not bad, we still need to watch out for the added sugars and fats, those however will make coffee unhealthy for our bodies. I hope now that people will understand that coffee isn't all that bad and "coffee will stunt your growth" is just a myth.

[@arakashmahale1]

+Healthcare Triage Thank you for reinforcing my belief in coffee again! I would greatly appreciate if you reflect upon my personal experiment with the way I mix my coffee. I fundamentally use coffee to increase my focus while studying and wanted to increase its potency. So I started mixing fortified glucose powder (2-teaspoons) in my black coffee (2-teaspoons), as a result, it has evidently increased my focus manifold beyond doubt. Is there any research about my (coffee+fortified glucose powder) concoction & its effects or side effects? I consume not more than two moderate cups everyday along with one green tea in the morning. Positively looking forward for your reply.

[@FromThanatosToSol]

Heh, I've been saying this for years. Then again, I'm always wary when things get demonized. Plus, with insomnia and a severe case of "super groggy in the morning, especially in winter" coffee can be a real lifesaver.

[@yanipheonu]

To be fair, I always read not letting kids drink coffee was less about growth stunting, and more that just being an excuse not to have their kids get unmanageably hyper.

[@Vulcapyro]

yanipheonu If anything, such a claim might have originally been said by adults to their kids to discourage them from drinking coffee, so that they don't become hyperactive; several generations of this leading to the status of accepted folk knowledge. But folk knowledge is often plain wacky for no particular reason, so who knows.

[@JeaneAdix]

The hyper claim doesn't make much sense though. To treat adhd we give kids a stimulant, amphetamine, which calms then down and makes them more focused. Why would caffeine, another stimulant not act in a similar fashion?

[@Vulcapyro]

John Ecstasy Well, not all kids have ADHD, for one? There's a reason it's called "disorder" and not "kids are hyper". Also, while I see people with anecdotes that caffeine helps their ADHD kids focus etc, as far as I'm aware there aren't many/any studies exploring this, so I wouldn't really go around suggesting it does work this way. Anyways, even if it didn't make sense that caffeine would make kids hyper, it's still primarily about people _thinking_ this is the case and refusing to give kids caffeine for that reason.

[@mazakada]

This is actually great news, because I LOVE coffee! Also, this channel looks very trustworthy. I'm a bit skeptical though because up until now I've only heard about the negative effects of coffee, but you sound very trustworthy! I love the fact that you also link to further information and the studies you've talked about :)

[@HexerPsy]

Ok so coffee may have overall beneficial effects... But that may have a number of reasons... People who drink 6 cups of coffee a day may not drink other things that are worse for your health. So - then what about caffeine? Which can be found in sodas, coffee, tea, etc? Does it have positive or negative effects? What about stress response caused by caffeine, if there is any?

[@spectech73]

You've turned my addiction into a reasonable hobby. Thank you, you're a wonderful human being!!

[@undinae]

A couple of years ago, I decided to learn to drink black coffee - no milk, no sugar - a standard Americano as we call it in the UK. It was surprisingly easy and now I enjoy about 4 to 5 cups a day. I have PBC which causes fatigue issues and really need the caffeine to help me get through the work day. To learn that it also could be *good* for my chronic liver condition was a very welcome bonus!

[@jeffstropky8914]

I am 15 years old. Would it be fine drinking a cup of coffee a day?

[@darrenpalmer3061]

Jeff Stropky From what's studies say, drink two!!! Lol

[@chriswebb4797]

When you mention cups, what does that mean? I have read ranges from anywhere between 6 oz - 12 oz defined as 1 cup, do these studies state a uniform cup size? Thanks!

[@youandmevegan]

Interesting video! I wonder if the study about coffee and breast/prostate cancer considered if people drank their coffee with dairy, since there's a chance it increases risk for those cancers. Non-dairy milk is way healthier and much more environmentally friendly, too. It contains no cholesterol or hormones and requires much less resources (land, water) to be produced. I try to avoid coffee 2-3 times a week to keep the tolerance at bay, and I noticed lately that I seem to dream more and remember my dreams in detail when I ditch it. I wonder if that has anything to do with the quality of my sleep. I definitely study about 70% more efficiently when I consume caffeine though.

[@justinnorwood5477]

Its impressive how all of these studies have proven that coffee consumption is not bad! The video states that drinking a moderate amount of coffee can actually lower cardiovascular diseases. Whenever I think or hear about coffee its usually associated with a negative response. This video was very informative and opened my eyes to the positive outcomes from drinking coffee. The only problem is that the video doesn't account for the amount of added sugars. I don't know many people who drink coffee plain, which can probably lead to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases. Other than that, this video was very beneficial!

[@Ash-do7bn]

Ever since I was young I was always told I needed to stay away from coffee because it is really bad for you. I was told that coffee drinkers should stop and they will lose 10 pounds so I believed I shouldn't drink coffee because I would gain weight and it would increase cholesterol over time. There is almost no evidence that coffee is actually hurting us. But from this video I have learned so much and that there are so many benefits to your health. It is crazy to think that drinking 3-5 cups of coffee a day is actually not bad for you and can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also if you drink coffee moderately, you have a lower risk of heart failure. The healthiest way of drinking coffee is with a filter paper because it actually removes much of the cholesterol raising agent. Drinking coffee could actually protect against cancer as well. People who drink coffee have been proven to have a lower risk of liver cancer by 40%. I can only imagine this to be the case for people who do not drink alcohol but that was not mentioned in this video. Also for prostate cancer, drinking coffee was not associated to negative outcomes along with breast cancer. Lung cancer results have been shown to be different. People are at an increased risk of lung cancer if they smoke and drink coffee but if you do not smoke, coffee can protect against lung cancer as well. The more coffee you drink, the more protection you have from liver disease. For people who have liver disease, it can protect against cirrhosis. For people with cirrhosis coffee is associated with a lower risk of death and a lower risk of developing cancer. Coffee has also been linked to lower risk of Parkinson's Disease, lower cognitive decline and a potential protective against Alzheimer's disease. With moderate coffee drinkers there's also a lower risk of developing diabetes and the lowest risk in those who drink at least 6 or 7 cups daily. Coffee should still not be drank by kids because of too much caffeine and no more than 2 cups a day by pregnant women. For everyone, coffee should not be drunken excessively. Too much of anything isn't good. Also, another factor needs to be taken into account. While the coffee may be healthy, that's not the case when too much sugar and creamers are added to the coffee. With all of this information, it's time to stop looking at coffee as unhealthy.

[@mustbeaweful2504]

You showed positive research pertaining to mental illnesses that are degenerative. Is there any research on other forms of mental illness? (I.e. mood, schizophrenia, addictions, concurrent, forensic, etc.)

[@trentonp-777]

This is a great review of evidence. Thank you. However, a suggestion: whenever you refer to a study, can you also include the PubMed ID at the bottom? With some studies you did not even include the title/journal, it's really inconvenient to try to verify the studies you cited.

[@biggin2155]

Coffee vs Tea next!!!

[@rdvgrd6]

biggin215 what about coffee AND tea

[@JohnSmith-yi9cp]

depense on quality . water strengshness and what kind of

[@mikegreen4238]

Are there similar studies about the possible effects of tea consumption?

[@vladbcom]

Increase likelihood to develop affinity for British humour?

[@victorpopov3809]

I can only drink one cup of coffee a day, usully in the morning when i wake up. If i drink more then one a day i wont be able to sleep for like 2 nights straight and my eyes start to jiggle. I wanna drink more coffee but i cant is there anything to do ?

[@spd_bird]

Is there a concern about the addictive effects of caffeine in coffee? I know it's not long term or anything but I've heard that if you stop drinking coffee you can get withdrawal symptoms. Is this true and is it at all worth considering? I certainly don't want to have symptoms if I find I ran out of coffee one morning.

[@modsandendsGG-3883]

I wonder what parts of coffee are affecting which results. Would a non coffee drinker taking 200mg caffeine tablets have the same results?

[@GiaielPace]

Coffee smells so good.

[@zachvanalst9805]

The subjects or conversation about coffee have been a on going conversation as to whether its good or bad, It blows my my mind that it has no negative use on the human body but in fact does more in the power of curing it or preventing cancer or other diseases. The thing I always found with coffee was that it skyrocketed peoples energy, heart rates, blood pressure is what everyone I talk to that drank coffee experienced when starting to drink coffee but then some haven't. I just find coffee to have some negative affects as to leading to overpower or energy that makes the person not so much in a regular state of mind when drinking a decent amount of consumption.

[@Fatortu]

I didn't trust CGP Grey on that. But now that you too say that coffee isn't harmful, I am convinced !

[@josephfox9221]

Fatortu warning they both had cups of coffee in their videos,

[@Fatortu]

Is there some kind of coffee conspiracy ?^^

[@sonicpsycho13]

Fatortu Or confirmation bias?

[@Fatortu]

sonicpsycho13 But he's a doctor ! He's an authority, I have to believe him !

[@karalumiere4038]

@@Fatortu Coffee has been purposefully demonized because it has some psychedelic effects.

[@xerotoninz]

I get the jitters just having one cup and my heart races for a while. Should i keep having coffee?

[@lynns4122]

No that's your body telling you it's a bad idea. You can try having less or a drink with less caffeine though and see if it helps you.

[@lindseygamm7716]

Many of us have heard as child, "You can't drink coffee, it will stunt your growth!" This was a myth of course, but why is coffee always seen as something bad for you? This video did a great job of showing that coffee really isn't bad for you, and it might actually be good for you. There has many studies on how coffee affects heart issues and how it relates with cancer. There were 36 studies done on how coffee affects the heart, and it is shown that someone who drinks 3-5 8oz has the lowest risk of heart diseases. Those who drink 5 or more cups of coffee a day were no higher at risk than those who don't drink coffee. With cancer, increasing by two cups of coffee has been associated with a lower risk of liver cancer by 40%. Coffee affected lung cancer but only in those that smoke cigarettes, but may protect those who don't smoke. Coffee may even be able to protect against Alzheimer's disease. Although coffee may not be bad for you, the creamer and sugar that most put into the coffee is bad for you. These new studies aren't very broadcasted through the news or social media because coffee has been thought of as bad for so long. I think this needs to be more announced to show that coffee really is not bad for you.

[@tjmccormick5037]

Ihave to agree with your final statement. Coffee has been a great part of my life and has gotten me ready for my day since the start of high school. I wish my parents would have known this when I was younger it could have helped my health. I still drink it every morning to start my day and I dont regret an once of it. (like that pun?) But seriously this must be announced to many others so they can allow their children to drink it instead of viewing it as a bad thing to drink and maybe it could help children/teens to be better in school as they will be more awake for the start of their school day.

[@johnharvey5412]

I don't like the idea of being addicted or chemically dependent on anything, but it's good to know that it's not necessarily bad for their health. I have to wonder if the fatigue associated with withdrawal has significant negative outcomes in e.g. car accidents by caffeine addicts who haven't had their fix?

[@TheNorthernSong]

Please make a video about eating healthy on a budget. I'm a student and I watch often and I run into problems of eating well and staying on budget. Love the great advice and news, thanks so much.

[@TheKhushty]

Does this count for instant coffee where you just have black coffee and mix it into boiling water? Or is it only for coffee that you brew from the bean?

[@Lynkah]

This might be one of my favourite videos of all time. I hated coffee so much growing up, but I've always had a fear of alzheimers.. Couple years ago (when I was 26, that's how long I hated it for) I read a study linking coffee consumption with reduced risk of alzheimers, memory loss and other brain issues I fear, soooo... Suddenly coffee tasted delicious, hahaha. The brain can be so incredible. But now learning all of this, has made me so grateful that my brain switched how I feel about the taste!

[@JAYZ999]

What about being caffeine dependent, is that something to worry about?

[@liger411]

could these lowered health risks be because people who drink coffee eat less because it suppresses their appetite?

[@LauraSeeber]

Interesting video. Am curious if the studies indicated that the health benefits came from the caffeine, something else in the coffee, or a combination of the above?

[@brittanypotter1312]

My parents never let me drink coffee as a child either. I would have never guessed that coffee would lower the risks of diseases. I was always taught that coffee was not good for the body. This video was very educational for me. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that 3-5 cups of coffee is considered moderate. I usually only drink 1-2 cups and even then my body gets a little wound up. This video just surprised me all the way around.

[@AndreiVictorMarinescu]

Hello! I think your videos and blog are great and a great way to understand the science of healthcare. To that goal, can you please explain the meaning of "overall morbidity"? In many studies i see that term, usually in contrast with specific morbidiy metrics. My issue is: can specific morbidity metrics be low/reduced, but overall morbidity high/increased? Thank you and keep up the good work, please!

[@marrisamedrano5193]

Im only 11 I drink coffee 2 times a week!!!!! will that effect me ???!!!! PLZ REPLY!

[@kawaiicookie7]

Very informative! I just wish there was a bit of a timeline... After watching the video I remember you mentioning that coffee prevented diabetes, cancer, something to do with the liver... With a timeline it would help me organize the information you just threw out at me better!

[@EssTeeEfYoo]

As someone who doesn't drink coffee yet, I'm curious as to how much coffee people normally drink. 2 cups sounds a day sounds fairly reasonable, but 6-7 sounds a bit extreme. Is that a normal amount people regularly consume?

[@LikelyToBeEatenByAGrue]

Its easier than you might think. A regular coffee shop coffee ususally contains 2 to 2.5 8oz cups. Drink two larges and you're already at 5 cups.

[@KemalAhmedIsAwesome]

I wonder what the equivalence of additional cups of water/day does. People who don't drink coffee may simply be drinking less liquid in general and that the water alone could play a large part in the health benefits.

[@IamQuh]

The somewhat surprising result with filtered and unfiltered coffee makes me wonder if there is a difference between hot brewed vs cold brewed coffee. I enjoy a nice iced tea during the hot summer and wonder if it's better to cold brew or hot brew & cool.

[@xfrancescanicolex]

But why drink coffee if you get horrible migraines and caffiene withdrawal when you don't get your daily cup? Or is that a myth? When/under what circumstances do coffee drinkers experience withdrawal? Also please please please do a video on legitimate research of green tea and if it has any benefits or risks. Thanks so much for the video!

[@RK-zf4jw]

You didn't mention the negative side effects (not necessarily when overdosing) such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability and more

[@perspicacity89]

Are there similar health benefits to drinking tea, as well?

[@guruyaya]

Hi and thanks for this video. I would like to get your opinion on a related matter. My wife started taking caffeine pills (she can't stand coffee), as we noticed it reduced the symptoms of her essential myoclonus (While it was me who discovered it - it was approved by her doctors). Now my wife also suffers from Anxiety disorder, and her psychiatrist linked it as a side effect of the caffeine. I couldn't find any research suggesting this kind of a link (though I understand how it might work). Can you please direct me to any research on the topic? Just to be sure - I'm not taking it as a medical advice, and I work with her doctors on the matter. I just want to see what the research has to say, so I'll have a better outlook on the cost and value of this treatment.

[@JeaneAdix]

I don't think Caffeine pills are a good idea. A lot of the benefits and protections in coffee may come from the oils and other compounds in the beans, not just the caffeine.

[@guruyaya]

John Ecstasy While I accept it in principle - I have 2 things to defend this choice: 1. My wife can't stand coffee. As good as it would be for her to drink coffee, she just won't do that. 2. We are absolutely, defiantly, positive, that the specific benefit of the caffeine, and not of anything other then that in coffee. I've tested it from every angle possible (including a placebo test).

[@sayadaramdial1700]

So would you say that if I'm to have coffee only with lots of milk and sugar that I might as well not have any at all?

[@will227inyoface2]

Let's keep in mind typically higher income households consume more coffee. Higher income is massively associated with reduced health risks and higher lifetime healthcare.

[@netsquall]

I agree that while these studies are good, we need a good RCT to really hash out what's causing the underlying benefits. Is it that heavy coffee drinkers drink far less sugared beverages otherwise? Is it something in the coffee bean other than caffine that's doing it? MOAR RESEARCH!

[@TheQuetzalcoatl]

wait but how much is A CUP and how is the coffee made? you talked about paper filters, but what about coffee made with moka or with espresso machine (in bar)? ...

[@wateradept88]

I'm curious what's causing these beneficial side effects. Is it that drinking hot beverages is healthy? Is it because of the caffeine? Or is there some chemical in coffee alone that gives these benefits?

[@abigaildowner8047]

Are there studies that show an impact of added ingredients like sugar and milk to coffee? Also, does the type of bean have an impact on human health?

[@eduardolopez4520]

the only thing that worries me about coffee is the teeth staining that can happen. But I heard that that really only becomes a problem if you drink a lot of coffee, is that true?

[@repker]

So I don't drink coffee period... should I start drinking it? Now I feel like I'm missing out :/

[@Anonarchist]

i used to drink about 12 cups a day when i worked overnights. my only problem was heartburn but ive always had a problem with heartburn. i use nondairy creamer without sugar, well, without extra sugar, the creamer is definitely sweetened.

[@porgy29]

I wonder how many of these potential benefits transfer over to other caffeinated drinks, mainly tea. I love tea and have never liked coffee and am curios about similarities they might have.

[@buddhistkeo4688]

I almost stop drinking coffee because I thought it will stunt my growth. But after watching this I feel so excited.... Thank you so much for this information !!

[@kaleba5203]

What about the effects that caffeine has on sleep and energy levels after long term use? Don't our bodies get used to it and then start to make us feel more tired and basically make us rely on caffeine to function?

[@DarthGangsta]

Kaira A, that’s a completely valid point. Our bodies do adapt to caffeine by relying on it for the only source of energy. But I’d say that if you only drink coffee early in the day, you shouldn’t have much trouble sleeping at night.

[@dkebab]

Drink coffe for energy boost

[@jamesstevenson6086]

Does it matter what type of coffee we use, or is it all good? Like is instant decaf as good as instant none decaf?

[@cryptoconvert715]

could you help me understand why coffee having an association with health benefits leads to recommendations for coffee consumption, if association doesn't necessarily equal causality, such as the reference to vaccinations being associated by some people to autism? In other words, if mere association of good benefits leads to coffee consumption, why wouldn't mere association of negative benefits lead to vaccination rejection? thanks for any feed back.

[@PillagingForFun]

is this only considering black coffee or coffee with no milk/creamer or sugars added?

[@LavendelBrei]

When people talk about coffee being unhealthy, they inevitably talk about all the health benefits of Tea. I like both, but I was wondering if any of tea's supposed benefits hold up to serious scrutiny. Have there been many studies on the effects of drinking tea? Would you do an episode on it? Vielen Dank!

[@PedroMartinez-dn5rr]

What about “stomach burns”? Are they linked to the consumption of coffee?

[@nananadia1714]

Doesn't caffeine dehydrate you? And can't refraining from caffeine improve mood? So should I drink decaffeinated coffee? I never add anything to it, anyway.

[@cm3655]

There is medical recommendation not to consume coffee together if you are taking iron supplements for anemia just side note. If you drink, take it hours after.

[@charleshanson9467]

What "benefits" from coffee are outside the benefits of just being well hydrated all the time?

[@TheKhushty]

Does it have to be brewed from the bean coffee or can it be the instant Nescafé powder one?

[@Serve24]

Wait, wouldn't people with hypertension be told to stop drinking caffeine? Since these people are already at risk, couldn't this skew the research results?

[@TheHenkalv]

jennag24 In that case is it not even more remarkable that coffee consumption seems to be so unconditionally positive?

[@elliottmcollins]

jennag24 Yeah, there are a lot of people who know from experience that coffee makes them feel bad, and so don't drink it. You might say that these studies focus on the highly selected group of people who *choose* to drink coffee, but I'd argue that's the right group to look at. The question here is whether there are long-term effects among those who *do* drink it because the enjoy it in the short term. Henrik Alvik No, I think you have that backwards. That coffee consumption looks good in the long-term is a little less surprising when you consider that we're focusing only on the sample of people who have no harmful side effects in the short-term (i.e. we're excluding those for whom it might not be unconditionally positive)

[@banicata]

Could it be bad for certain people? Even just a little bit of coffee makes me dizzy and sleepy and I also feel a chest pain. I don't know why, I like the taste but it really makes me feel bad. What could the reason be?

[@PhonicUK]

Would Tea and other non-sugary caffinated drinks have the same impact as Coffee?

[@SeijuroRen]

So I have anxiety so my doctor told me to not drink things that have caffeine, so I wonder if decaf has these benefits. I do like the taste of coffee too though.

[@liamr7122]

I was wondering if you were using cups as a measurement or as a synonym for glass (i.e. Replacing 'a glass of coffee' with 'a cup of coffee'). Also, I drink espresso and was wondering how it stacks up against normal filter/drip coffee.

[@thestormsoutside]

Was there any known increase/decrease to those benefits in decaffeinated coffee? I like coffee, but even one cup of caffeinated is usually enough to give me the jitters!

[@khrdmn2793]

On a personal note, I know that I drink too much caffeine in general. I am an undergraduate student with plans to go to medical school, and multiple classes and a job that keeps me incredibly busy on most days. I have had several people, especially recently, make comments about my coffee consumption and how I am putting myself at an increased health risk by doing so. This video and the studies it reviews gives powerful evidence that coffee should be promoted as the caffeinated beverage of choice given that all of the research points to a lesser risk of multiple chronic diseases, including Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other cognitive decline in those that are consuming moderate amounts. Regardless if you believe this or not, none of the research has shown any increased risk associated with drinking coffee, which is the more important portion of the information that is presented here. Even the USDA nutritional guidelines supports that coffee may even be good for you. I do completely agree with the fact that moderation should be promoted in all aspects of a healthy diet, but coffee should no longer be a feared source of caffeine and perhaps even transitioned to the healthiest option when compared to thinks like diet sodas or Monster.

[@lancetonsow]

Question: what are the definitions of "coffee" in these studies? For what I know, coffee is often consumed with fat/sugar rich ingredients, are these factors taken into consideration in the studies?

[@Searangerx]

Not a fan of coffee myself. Guess I'm dying young.

[@BrotherAlpha]

Searanger I have a caffeine sensitivity. A single cup of coffee makes me tired. Two or more will give me a headache.

[@Searangerx]

BrotherAlpha Just consume more coffee. Caffeine is great for getting rid of headaches.

[@BrotherAlpha]

Searanger"Caffeine is great for getting rid of headaches." Not when you have a sensitivity to it. The more caffeine I have, the worse the headache gets.

[@Searangerx]

BrotherAlpha So if your headache gets worse just drink more coffee. Win or die my friend.

[@sparksbet]

BrotherAlpha Searanger It depends on the type of headache. If you're getting migraines, caffeine is definitely recommended, although I'd take Excedrin rather than just drinking coffee AND it could potentially trigger migraines as well (it only helps for me but who knows). If you're getting headaches from caffeine withdrawal, obviously coffee will help there. Otherwise I don't think coffee would help your headaches anyway, and if it's /causing/ your headaches, you shouldn't drink it!

[@Daedhart]

Does iced coffee follow the same trends?

[@TheHeadHunter1000]

Honey has healing properties. And can be used as a sweetener. Now I am curious what the benefits of drinking coffee with honey as as substitute of sugar.

[@josephfox9221]

TheHeadHunter1000 it also can be used as a anti-bactical agent on open wounds, very useful in survival.

[@TheHeadHunter1000]

Joseph Fox Lasts a long time too. I heard some honey they found in tombs, of past generations are still edible.

[@docnevyn5814]

Joseph Fox Or can carry botulism

[@jessicaleclerc2657]

So… should the takeaway be "start drinking coffee"? Because, like, I _hate_ how it smells, but if it's so good for you, I might look (or… smell?) past that for all the health benefits. Would you recommend it?

[@Ditocoaf]

Jessica LeClerc We don't know for SURE that it's good for you (notice all those positive effects were "associated" with coffee, but they haven't proved causation). This video was mainly directed at people who say "I should stop drinking coffee because it's probably bad for me" -- all those positive associations definitely prove it's not causing any health problems. Basically: association doesn't prove causation, but it does kinda sorta prove that the opposite-of-the-association isn't being caused. Coffee might or might not be good for you, but it's definitely not bad for you.

[@dodid0]

How can it be that some studies find that coffee is linked to higher susceptibility to cancer and some find that it reduces the chances of developing a cancer... I'm beginning to think that we know little of anything when we base our understanding on research with conflicting results, depending on which team researched...

[@tylersloss4574]

Can you buy that coffee mug anywhere? If so where can I buy it because I need that ASAP

[@Brounstein]

I just re-watched this wonderful episode. Question: Are all (or some) of health benefits the same in caffeinated and de-caffeinated coffee? You had mentioned about some cancers, but it was unclear if this applies to the coffee itself or to the caffeine?