For many, coffee is an essential part of daily life, enjoyed both as a ritual and a social experience-particularly in countries like Spain where café culture thrives. But beyond the boost in energy and the social connections, what does current science say about coffee’s impact on our health? Cardiologist José Abellán recently addressed this question in a detailed video, exploring the nuanced relationship between coffee consumption and cardiovascular wellbeing, and sharing insights into how readiness methods may also play a role.
Coffee is more than just a morning staple for millions; it’s become a cherished ritual. Waking up, getting ready, airing out the room… and then enjoying a cup of coffee to kickstart the day.
For many, that first sip is a vital awakening, clearing away sleepiness and promoting alertness to begin the day with energy.
In Spain, coffee holds a prominent place both at home and in public spaces, including offices. Coffee with milk is the most common breakfast choice, though many prefer a *cortado* – with just a touch of milk – or a *solo*, a strong, concentrated espresso favored by those seeking a more direct boost.
The custom of enjoying coffee mid-morning with toast or pastries, or simply alongside conversation with colleagues, is deeply ingrained in office culture, bars, and cafes.
For many, coffee represents routine, socialization, and enjoyment. As a result, people may consume multiple cups between home and work, raising questions about the potential health benefits and drawbacks.
Cardiologist José Abellán on Coffee
José Abellán, MD, PhD, is a cardiologist at the UCAM (Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia) and a health professional known for sharing medical information on social media. He recently expanded his outreach by publishing content on YouTube, including a recent video discussing coffee and its potential effects on the heart.
In the more than ten-minute video, Abellán discusses the various components of coffee, not just caffeine, the most well-known. “Caffeine is a plant alkaloid, a methylxanthine with various effects on the body, mainly stimulating. It also contains chlorogenic acids, a group of antioxidant compounds with diverse health effects,” he explained.
The specialist addressed common concerns about coffee’s potential harm to health. “The most recent studies suggest that regular coffee drinkers live longer and have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease,” Abellán stated. This finding is significant as heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally.
“The way coffee is prepared can influence its long-term health benefits.”
“Evidence suggests that moderate, regular coffee consumption could even have protective effects on the heart and blood vessels in the long term. A meta-analysis of nearly 1.3 million individuals found that those who consumed one to five cups of coffee per day had a 5 to 11% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Other studies have corroborated these findings, showing that regular coffee consumption is associated with lower cardiovascular disease and a reduced risk of stroke,” he added.
The Influence of Brewing Method
How coffee is prepared can also be a key factor in its health effects, according to the cardiologist. “The way coffee is prepared can influence its long-term health benefits. At least, that’s what some studies have found. Over more than 20 years, research indicated that filtered coffee may be the best for reducing cardiovascular risk or the risk of a cardiovascular event.”
This is because “filtering coffee can remove compounds like cafestol and kahweol, which have been linked to a slight increase in LDL cholesterol (commonly known as ‘bad’ cholesterol).”
In closing, the cardiologist was candid with his followers: “As far as we know, coffee, which I enjoy, is a beverage with a more than possible positive impact on health. Current evidence doesn’t justify me, as a doctor, recommending coffee intake to prevent cardiovascular disease or cancer, but it does suggest that coffee can be a perfect part of a very healthy lifestyle.”
