As we get older, we become more mindful of our health—and our coffee habits might be a big factor. Recent findings have raised concerns about whether our daily cup is helping or hurting us.

Could your favorite brew be doing more harm than good?


The world of coffee is vast and varied, with a myriad of choices from instant to espresso. But not all coffees are created equal, especially when it comes to your health.

Let's pour over the facts and find out which type of coffee you might want to think twice about, and which could actually be beneficial.

The bitter side of instant coffee​

Instant coffee, a staple in many households for its convenience and long shelf life, has come under scrutiny.

While it's the go-to choice for a quick caffeine fix, experts have raised concerns about its potential health risks.

The main culprit? A chemical called acrylamide.

Acrylamide forms in foods cooked at high temperatures, and unfortunately, instant coffee packs twice the amount of this chemical compared to its ground counterpart.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has labeled acrylamide a “problem human carcinogen,” which means there's evidence to suggest it could cause cancer in humans.

This is based on laboratory tests that have shown acrylamide in the diet causes lung and reproductive cancers in animals, with the potential to affect humans similarly, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A Polish study from 2013, which analyzed various coffee samples, confirmed that instant coffee had double the acrylamide levels found in freshly ground coffee.

The healthier brews: filter coffee and espressos​

On the brighter side, there's good news for aficionados of filter coffee and espresso-based drinks.

These brewing methods not only offer a richer taste experience but also come with health benefits.

Filter coffee, prepared by passing hot water through ground beans and a paper or metal filter, has been linked to lower rates of artery disease, the most common cause of heart attacks.

A comprehensive Norwegian study involving half a million participants over twenty years found that drinking up to four cups of filter coffee daily could contribute to heart health.


Espresso, the base for popular drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites, has been associated with brain health benefits.

A recent Italian study in 2023 discovered that extracts of espresso reduced the build-up of tau, a toxic protein linked to dementia, in brain samples.

Additionally, caffeine has been shown to decrease the build-up of amyloid and reduce inflammation and cell death in the brain, potentially lowering the risk of dementia.

However, it's important to note that these findings have been proven in mice, not humans, so the connection isn't definitive.

The antioxidant angle​

Despite the concerns about acrylamide, it's not all doom and gloom for instant coffee lovers.

This type of coffee actually contains more antioxidants than ground coffee, including melanoidins, which can increase gut bacteria diversity and help protect against disease.

Dr. Pál Maurovich-Horvat, a medical imaging director at Semmelweis University, highlights the potential health benefits of these antioxidants.

So, what does this all mean for you, the discerning coffee drinker? It's about balance and making informed choices.

If you're an instant coffee enthusiast, consider moderating your intake and exploring other brewing methods.

For those who enjoy filter coffee or espresso-based drinks, you can sip away knowing you might be doing your heart and brain a favor.

Remember, whether it's a robust espresso or a smooth filter coffee, the best cup is the one that not only tastes good but also feels good for your health.

Cheers to many more mornings of savoring the perfect blend of flavor and well-being!
Have you switched your coffee habits based on health concerns? Do you have a favorite brewing method that you swear by for both taste and health benefits? Share your stories and tips in the comments below.