If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, you’ve likely encountered conflicting expert opinions—one week it’s said to extend your life, the next it’s blamed for shortening it.
In an age overrun with fake news, it’s tempting to believe that science should stand as a pillar of truth. But if research constantly contradicts itself, how seriously can we really take it?
Some studies link coffee to health benefits such as a lower risk of heart disease, heart failure, and stroke—thanks to its high antioxidant content. Others claim it may help regulate blood pressure, though drinking too much can be harmful. Reported side effects include insomnia, loose stools, coffee dependence, elevated blood pressure, a racing heartbeat, and frequent urination.
Anyone who takes the time to explore the research on coffee is bound to feel confused by these mixed results. What’s true of coffee applies to many other products as well: When research is funded by industry, it often aims to drive consumption and increase sales.
Corporate funding accounts for nearly 40% of all basic research, and it’s unrealistic to expect such research to report negative outcomes. Take Monsanto, for instance: while the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that glyphosate—used in the corporation’s herbicides—”probably” causes cancer in humans, Monsanto-funded studies claimed it was safe.
Not all industry-funded research is necessarily flawed, but when products may pose fatal risks, transparency and replicability should be non-negotiable. In the case of glyphosate, the research failed both tests.
The best approach is not to rely blindly on bold conclusions or catchy headlines. Research worth trusting should also be replicable.
Moreover, the effects of consumption can vary based on genetics or individual health. In my case, coffee only causes insomnia under two conditions: if I drink it late in the afternoon, and if I remember doing so. If I go to bed having forgotten that cup, I sleep soundly—often dreaming of arabica beans.
Research is vital to human progress. It helps us chart the future by learning from the past.
Equally important is approaching research with healthy skepticism: Who funded it and who stands to gain from its conclusions?
Science should not frighten us or cloud our judgment—it should inform and guide us.
