Caffeine-intake has been widely researched.  Yet we continue to believe that it is “bad” for us. 03-10-2007

Any coffee addict could tell you that the lure for caffeine is very strong.  Scientific evidence shows that caffeine consumption can have a number of benefits on performance, as it increases alertness, improves memory and attention, aids logical thinking and psychomotor performance. 
The above effects of caffeine are most noticeable after periods of low alertness i.e. early mornings and working at night.  In these situations many coffee addicts would be able to confirm – a cup of coffee perks them up, gets them ready for action and adds a feel-good factor.  The Department for Transport has the THINK Road Safety advice and encourages drivers to have two cups of coffee or other high caffeine drinks alongside a short nap (no more than 15 minutes), to allow time for the caffeine to kick in, before continuing their journeys. 
Yet caffeine intake, especially coffee has a bad name, especially with regards to the negative effects of coffee on blood pressure and cholesterol.
The good news is that there is research evidence that contradicts these medical claims.  A Finnish study of over 20, 000 individuals have found no association between coffee consumption and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).  Another report from America is based on a study of 27,000 older women over 15 years, in this study a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease was found by about 30 percent in women who had a moderate intake of coffee.  Further analysis found that up to 60 percent of antioxidants in the diet may come from coffee.
The negative effects of coffee on cholesterol probably relates to the adverse effect of boiled coffee.  Boiled coffee (containing high levels of diterpenes) consumption has shown to increase both total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (also referred to as the bad cholesterol).  In the UK this method of preparation is almost unknown, it is popular in Scandinavian countries.  In the UK we mostly drink instant and filter coffee, which contain low levels of diterpenes.
Single doses of caffeine (250 mg, the equivalent to 2-3 cups at once) can cause a rise in blood pressure.  However this is a short-term effect and does not count for a sensible caffeine intake of 400 mg of caffeine (4-5 cups) throughout the day.
Coffees like all other good things are bad for you when taken in excess.  Good health needs to be seen as a whole package.  The British Heart Foundation states ‘cutting down on coffee is less likely to help people protect their heart than other measures such as physical activity, a diet low in saturated fat and one that includes at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day’.