A 55-year-old man sought treatment at a Chinese surgical clinic complaining of a painless mass under his right ear that had been growing over two years. According to his medical history, the patient had a smoking history of 10 pack-years.
Initial examination revealed a well-defined solid mass under the right ear, as well as a smaller mass in the lower part of the left parotid gland, which the patient was unaware of. No signs of facial nerve involvement or cervical lymphadenopathy were detected.
Axial T2-weighted MRI of the neck showed a mass in the right parotid gland characterized by hyperintense areas corresponding to cystic content, as well as nodules on the outer cyst. Additionally, a solid mass was recorded in the left parotid gland.
Millions of residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) drink coffee every morning, often without considering the effect of this beverage on the body. According to Dr. Mansour Anwar Habib, a family medicine consultant and professional health expert, this daily habit can bring much more benefit than many assume, provided three specific conditions are met.
Dr. Habib informed coffee lovers that they have good news: coffee beans are rich in antioxidants that exert several protective effects on the cardiovascular system.
Recent studies conducted by the American Heart Association have demonstrated that regular coffee consumption is associated with reduced insulin resistance, decreased risk of arterial thrombosis, strengthening of artery walls, and lowered internal inflammation. These benefits are considered among the most significant indicators of long-term heart health.
However, Dr. Habib emphasized that these positive effects are not automatic. They entirely depend on the method of preparing the coffee, and failing to meet even one of the three conditions can completely nullify the protective action.
Firstly, the daily volume is important. Dr. Habib recommends consuming from one to five cups per day, with five cups being a strict upper limit. Within this range, the body is capable of absorbing the beneficial compounds in coffee without entering a state of excess.
A steady reduction in the risk of heart failure, stroke, and ischemic heart disease is observed within this volume. Exceeding five cups per day disrupts the balance, and the cardiovascular benefit begins to reverse.
The second condition, which surprises many and which Dr. Habib considers the most medically significant, concerns filtration. Coffee must be prepared using a paper filter, not a metal one, and not by boiling.
Dr. Habib explained that there are two types of filters: metal and paper. 'Filtered coffee' refers to that prepared using a paper filter. Coffee prepared by boiling or with a metal filter is considered unfiltered from a medical point of view.
The difference is due to a compound called cafestol, which is naturally present in coffee oils. When coffee is boiled or strained through a metal filter, cafestol freely enters the cup. After consumption, it raises the level of LDL cholesterol—the harmful type in the bloodstream. A paper filter physically retains cafestol before it enters the cup, preserving all antioxidant properties and eliminating the risk associated with lipids.
From a practical standpoint, Turkish, Arabic, French press, and Moka pot preparations are medically classified as unfiltered. For people with already elevated cholesterol, Dr. Habib advises completely excluding or reducing the use of these methods. Medically preferred methods include those with paper filtration, as well as drip, V60, and Chemex coffee makers.
The last condition is the simplest and the most ignored. Coffee should be drunk black. No sugar, milk, cream, flavored syrups, or any sweeteners.
As soon as anything is added to the drink, the health benefits are negated. Sugar causes blood glucose spikes and directly counteracts the insulin-sensitizing properties of natural coffee components. Milk and cream introduce saturated fats and calories that negate cardiovascular benefits. Studies linking coffee to heart protection are based on plain, black coffee, not sweet drinks with dairy products.
Dr. Habib's recommendations are intended for generally healthy adults. Those suffering from severe or uncontrolled hypertension should exercise caution, as caffeine can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure. Patients with already elevated LDL cholesterol should first switch to paper-filtered coffee. People with heart disease must consult a doctor before making changes to their daily diet.
