Coffee is not only a medicinal alternative but also a beverage containing numerous potential health benefits. The results from many types of research suggest the positive effects of coffee consumption on various aspects of health, as mentioned above briefly. Despite the general good outcomes, it should be emphasized that individual sensitivity to coffee and the biological effects of coffee among humans may vary because of personal single nucleotide polymorphic variants, as shown in an investigation on genetic polymorphisms in apolipoprotein E (APOE). And some negative effects of coffee tend to emerge in excessive drinking, so it is the best to avoid heavy coffee intake. This mini review covers just a few of the health benefits and adverse effects associated with drinking coffee.Further studies on the functionally significant polymorphisms are needed for a better understanding of the effects of coffee on personal health.