The debate over coffee and health is likely to continue for a long time. Initially, studies suggested that coffee was not very beneficial to human health. However, more extensive research has indicated that these earlier studies were incorrect. Both Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta appear to contain compounds which may actually make coffee drinkers more healthy. Despite concerns about compounds in Arabica beans, it would be a bit of a stretch to say that they are unhealthy.

Early studies of coffee which concluded that coffee was bad for consumers did not take other factors into account. For example, many regular coffee drinkers also smoke and drink. These activities have been clearly linked to problems with human health, and coffee was lumped in with alcohol and cigarettes. A closer look revealed that many of the problems associated with coffee consumption were actually due to other influences.

The two compounds at issue in Arabica bean coffee are Kahweol and cafestol. Both are diterpene compounds, and both have been linked with health problems. Kahweol appears to elevate liver enzymes, and it is present primarily in Arabica bean coffee. Cafestol causes a rise in bad cholesterol, and is found in both Arabica and Robusta beans, although Arabica bean coffee has a much higher concentration of the substance. Clearly, consumption of these substances is not advised, at least in excess. However, producing Arabica bean coffee with a filter removes the bulk of these compounds, making the coffee perfectly safe to drink.

In fact, Arabica bean coffee may be good for you. Coffee drinkers in the Netherlands and Japan were discovered to be less prone to certain types of cancers. The high levels of antioxidants in coffee are probably responsible for this. Arabica bean coffee may also help to prevent heart arrhythmias, reduce cavities, and kill bacteria. Further study is required, but it seems apparent that the benefits of Arabica bean coffee outweigh the potential costs, especially when the diterpenes are removed through filtering. Many of these findings apply both to Arabica and Robusta beans, to the delight of people who prefer the more caffeine-packed Robusta species.

Arabica bean coffee can, however, trigger migraines and contribute to stomach ulcers. In some cases, a physician may recommend that a patient consider reducing his or her coffee intake, or switching to a decaffeinated version. The individual health advice provided by a health professional should always be followed, since your doctor is aware of issues unique to your body.