Is Turkish coffee healthy? A cardiologist explains the benefits and risks of coffee

Today, October 1, is International Coffee Day. Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and in Türkiye, after water. Turkish coffee, however, is not just a beverage in Türkiye but also part of a culture that has been preserved for centuries. So, is Turkish coffee healthy? We asked Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Fethi Kılıçaslan about the relationship between coffee and health. Kılıçaslan says that Turkish coffee, when consumed in appropriate amounts, is a beverage that is not harmful to health; on the contrary, its benefits become more prominent.

Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Fethi Kılıçaslan's assessment is as follows:

BENEFITS OF COFFEE

* It may contribute to maintaining balanced blood pressure, weight control and reducing the risk of diabetes.

* It also generally has positive effects on cholesterol levels. As a result, there may be a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and the risk of developing some types of cancer.

* It may also have a positive effect on the aging process. Many clinical studies contain data indicating that coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of death.

* Coffee has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties are highly beneficial for health. They have particularly positive effects on atherosclerosis.

* It may help reduce metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by increased abdominal fat, and obesity, lower insulin resistance and maintain balanced blood pressure. It also has positive effects on cholesterol.

* It may reduce fatty liver. It also has positive effects on blood pressure and diabetes.

WHEN CAN COFFEE BE HARMFUL?

So, when can coffee be harmful? Kılıçaslan answers this question as follows:

"The substance we know best and that is found in high concentrations in coffee is caffeine. Caffeine has a stimulant effect. In addition, coffee contains many antioxidants and acids. It is quite low in fat and carbohydrates. Therefore, plain coffee is quite low in calories and, in this form, has no significant harmful effect. When milk, cream and sugar are added to coffee, significant amounts of carbohydrates and calories may be consumed. For this reason, we generally recommend drinking coffee plain. If milk, cream or sugar is added, it is important to keep the amounts limited. Otherwise, this may lead to increased calorie intake and weight gain."

CAN COFFEE CAUSE PALPITATIONS?

So, can coffee cause palpitations? Kılıçaslan answered the question as follows:

"When coffee is consumed regularly in moderate amounts, contrary to popular belief, it does not cause palpitations or increase the risk of arrhythmia. In fact, moderate coffee consumption has been shown to be associated with a lower incidence of various heart rhythm disorders, such as tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. However, consuming large amounts quickly can cause palpitations."

Kılıçaslan continues:

"It has long been claimed that coffee is harmful to the heart and causes palpitations and hypertension. However, current scientific data indicate the opposite. In particular, balanced consumption is generally considered safe for heart health. Coffee has many benefits rather than causing harm.

The effects of maintaining balanced blood pressure, reducing atherosclerosis, balancing cholesterol, contributing to weight control and reducing fatty liver are all important characteristics in terms of heart health."

BE CAREFUL IN THE EVENING!

Kılıçaslan also has a warning:

"Because of the caffeine it contains, coffee has a stimulant effect. It may increase cortisol levels and contribute to alertness. Consuming large amounts of coffee late in the day can trigger insomnia. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to coffee consumption, especially in the evening."

EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION MAY CAUSE SOME PALPITATIONS

Kılıçaslan's other comments are as follows:

"We know that some types of cancer are less common among people who regularly consume coffee. When all these beneficial effects are considered together, we can say that coffee consumption is associated with a longer lifespan.

The belief that coffee causes palpitations does not apply to every patient. Patients who experience palpitations or have tachycardia can consume coffee in certain amounts. The important factor here is the amount.

When coffee is consumed regularly in excessive amounts on a daily basis, some palpitations may occur due to the caffeine and other metabolites it contains. However, significant palpitations are generally not observed when coffee consumption does not exceed 3–4 cups a day. On the contrary, scientific studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a lower incidence of various heart rhythm disorders, tachycardia and atrial fibrillation."

HOW MANY CUPS OF COFFEE SHOULD BE CONSUMED PER DAY?

* By moderate consumption, we mean 2–4 cups a day. Excessive consumption may bring some risks. In particular, it is recommended to avoid using sugar and cream when drinking coffee.

* The way coffee is prepared and consumed can also affect its effects. In particular, filtered coffee is known to be less risky in terms of cholesterol.

* The filtration process helps retain some natural substances that can raise cholesterol.

* In contrast, unfiltered coffees such as Turkish coffee may cause a certain increase in cholesterol when consumed in excessive amounts. However, at consumption levels not exceeding 3–4 cups a day, this has no clinically significant effect. Nevertheless, if a patient has high cholesterol, moderate coffee consumption may be recommended, with filtered coffee preferred for these patients.

* A slight increase in blood pressure may occur, particularly if a large amount of coffee is consumed at once. However, it cannot be said that moderate coffee consumption raises blood pressure in the long term. On the contrary, it contributes to maintaining balanced blood pressure.

SOME PEOPLE MAY BE SENSITIVE TO COFFEE

Some people may be particularly sensitive to coffee. Even when these people consume small amounts of coffee, they may experience palpitations, insomnia or anxiety. They should avoid consuming excessive amounts of coffee.

DOES COFFEE HAVE ANY HARMFUL EFFECTS?

Drinking coffee late in the day can negatively affect your sleep. During the day, however, consuming coffee at around 9–10 a.m., rather than very early in the morning, when cortisol levels are somewhat lower, may contribute to daytime alertness.

From an overall heart health perspective, we can say that coffee may contribute to maintaining balanced blood pressure, reducing palpitations and heart rhythm disorders, protecting vascular health and balancing cholesterol. Because of all these effects, coffee is a beverage that is beneficial to health.

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