Coffee should have 'that flavor' to see effects in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar

You can enjoy greater health benefits from coffee when you drink coffee that has acidity rather than bland, nutty coffee without acidity.

The acidity of coffee can vary depending on the origin or variety, but the most significant factor is the roasting time of the coffee beans. The shorter the roasting time, the more pronounced the acidity. The main compound responsible for acidity is chlorogenic acid, a type of polyphenol compound, which decomposes when exposed to heat. The shorter the roasting time, the less chlorogenic acid is destroyed, leaving more in the coffee and resulting in a stronger acidity. A study presented at the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition found that among light roast, medium roast, and dark roast coffee, the light roast contained the highest amount of chlorogenic acid. Light roast coffee is the least roasted. According to research by a team from Ethiopia, during roasting, not only chlorogenic acid but also a compound called trigonelline is destroyed. Trigonelline is an alkaloid present in raw coffee beans and has antioxidant properties.

Chlorogenic acid and trigonelline have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Chlorogenic acid reduces cholesterol levels, eliminates reactive oxygen species that attack cells in the body, and decreases inflammatory responses. It also has anticancer effects and helps prevent diabetes by lowering insulin resistance. Animal studies have shown that light roast coffee extract increases levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, which are causes of inflammatory diseases, less than dark roast coffee extract. Trigonelline also has anticancer properties due to its ability to reduce reactive oxygen species.

For those with sensitive stomachs or severe heartburn when drinking coffee, a nutty coffee is a better choice than a sour one. The acidity in coffee can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. People with insomnia, cardiovascular diseases, urinary disorders, or gastrointestinal conditions should avoid drinking coffee altogether.