Coffee: The Pros & Cons

The Healing Collective • November 2, 2022
Article provided by Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP complements of Functional Medicine University.

Coffee is considered one of the most beloved beverages in the world. Coffee specialty shops are popping up all over. People love coffee and most people can't start there day without their cup (or more) of coffee.

Yes there are pros well documented showing the benefits of drinking coffee.


HERE ARE JUST A FEW:


  1. Can Improve Energy Levels
  2. Can Help You Burn Fat
  3. May Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
  4. May Protect You From Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
  5. May Lower Your Risk of Parkinson's
  6. May Protect Your Liver
  7. Can Fight Depression
  8. May Lower Risk of Certain Types of Cancer
  9. May Help You Live Longer



With all of these benefits is there a downside?


The answer is YES!

Coffee is made from roasted seeds and contains a chemical called acrylamide. Acrylamide is classified as a group 2A carcinogen and extremely hazardous. Acrylamide has been shown to cause multiple types of cancers including renal, endometrial and ovarian cancers.


Coffee crops are also highly sprayed with pesticides like glyphosate and 2-4-D. These two chemicals are associated with different cancers and disrupt human biochemistry.


If you drink a lot of coffee I suggest asking your physician to order a glyphosate test (https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/glyphosate-test). If your levels are high it may be wise to re-consider that daily cup of coffee.


One important option to at least minimize some of these downsides to coffee consumption is to only drink organic and non-roasted coffee.



The information on this site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Grisanti and his functional medicine community. Dr. Grisanti encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.


We offer whole-person functional and integrative care at The Healing Collective. Contact us to schedule a free consult or to become a new patient at our clinic in Niwot, CO. Learn more about our functional medicine providers here.

By Raechel Koob May 20, 2026
Low libido is far more common than many people realize, yet it is often treated as something people simply have to “live with” as they age, experience stress, or go through hormonal changes.
By Raechel Koob April 23, 2026
From a functional medicine perspective, allergies are not just about pollen, dust, or environmental triggers—they are a reflection of how your immune system is functioning. And one of the most important places to look? Your gut.
By Raechel Koob April 16, 2026
Even in people who are not diabetic, blood sugar imbalances can quietly drive fatigue, weight gain, hormone disruption, inflammation, and long-term chronic disease. The challenge is that most people don’t realize it’s happening.
By Raechel Koob April 8, 2026
As the days get longer and the sun returns, many people expect to feel naturally more energized. And yet, for so many, spring arrives… and the fatigue is still there. If you’re feeling tired despite the seasonal shift, your body isn’t broken—it’s asking for support at a deeper level.
By Raechel Koob February 19, 2026
Many individuals we work with have done so much to support their health: addressing gut concerns, balancing hormones, changing nutrition and lifestyle, yet still feel disconnected from their body or anxious about symptoms returning.
By Raechel Koob February 11, 2026
NAD+ for a mitochondrial health reset. Who can benefit from this IV and why
By Raechel Koob January 19, 2026
IV therapy to enhance immune system support
By Raechel Koob January 8, 2026
Myers’ Cocktail is one of the most well-known and widely used nutritional IV infusions in functional and integrative medicine. It delivers a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for maximum absorption and immediate cellular availability.
By Raechel Koob December 23, 2025
How to Set Goals You Can Actually Achieve (Without Burning Out)
By Raechel Koob December 12, 2025
15 tips to support your bowel movements with functional medicine recommendations