SUMMARY
Results of recently published studies on the effect of coffee on health are surprisingly positive for coffee consumers. An accumulated body of scientific evidence confirmed a lack of correlation between coffee intake and development of cancer. Furthermore, some authors suggest that coffee may in fact have pro-health properties. However, bearing in mind many factors affecting the risk of cancer in humans, the assumption that habitual coffee drinking can prevent carcinogenesis should be interpreted with caution. Also, it is important to note that the impact of coffee on health may depend on the type and strength of the brew, and serving size. Most studies failed to provide accurate information on that matter. Therefore, the question whether every kind of coffee has the same impact on human body and which coffee is potentially the best remains unanswered. In Poland, it is very popular to pour hot water directly over the ground coffee in a cup. However, to the best of our knowledge, the Polish literature offers no data on the effect of such method of brewing on human health. In Western countries, where most scientific data come from, coffee is often prepared using paper filter. On the other hand, optimistic scientific findings come from various regions of the world, including America, Japan, and Europe, what may be proof that coffee is not harmful and support the hypothesis that coffee may be recommended in the future as
an element of a pro-health diet.