Is drinking coffee really good for your health? Once believed as an unhealthy drink, coffee is making a comeback with the discovery of numerous wide-ranging health benefits. As mentioned by Rob van Dam, a coffee researcher and epidemiologist at the Harvard School of Public Health, “Coffee was seen as very unhealthy, now we have a more balanced view. We’re not telling people to drink it for health. But it is a good beverage choice.” I know it’s hard to believe, but keep in mind that coffee and caffeine are completely separate entities.
The truth about caffeine
Caffeine comes in many forms including coffee, tea, pills, energy drinks, and regular soft drinks. It is known to make people anxious and jittery, and also cause insomnia. In women, it’s likely to increase the chances of a miscarriage if you consume more than one 200 milligrams per day, data doesn’t prove this 100%, but it is certainly something to avoid if you’re pregnant. If you enjoy caffeinated drinks be sure to consume them before 5pm as it may affect your sleeping patterns.
Boost’s athletic performance
The caffeine in coffee promotes the muscles ability to work, and in result boosts performance in both long and short athletic events. It is said that this is accomplished by releasing sugar (glycogen) into the muscles. It also stimulates your mind by making you more alert and increases overall concentration. Make sure to listen to your body, as people respond differently to serving amounts. To see measurable performance improvements consume a medium cup of coffee per 130 pound athlete.
Fewer Cavities
The compound trigonelline (which gives coffee its bitter taste and aroma) supplies antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties which help prevent the development of cavities.
Diabetes
Studies have shown a 50% decrease in Type 2 diabetes by consuming coffee. This can attributable to the ingredient chlorogenic acid, trigonelline, and other minerals which increases glucose (sugar) metabolism, and improves sensitivity of insulin. Researchers also suggest that the antioxidants present in coffee help decrease the risk of diabetes. In a Harvard study (4), people experience a 50% in diabetes risk by drinking decaffeinated coffee.
Cancer
Not much evidence has proven measurable benefits in cancer, besides colon and liver cancer. Coffee drinkers have lower risks of liver cancer, with some evidence of lowers rates of colon cancer.
Heart disease and stroke
Past studies declared that drinking coffee may increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, but these acquisitions were false. The fact is, coffee may slightly reduce the risk of stroke. A study published in March in the journal Circulation showed a 19% lower risk of stroke for those who drank two to three cups of coffee a day than those who drank roughly none. This study was comprised of 83,000 women older than 24. Other studies found similar results for men.
Cirrhosis
Researchers are baffled as its either coffee or caffeine which protects the liver against cirrhosis, especially that caused by alcoholism.
Parkinson’s disease
The caffeine carries the benefit of reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 50%. Women who don’t use post-menopausal hormones may benefit from the caffeine as well, said Dr. Alberto Ascherio, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. Consume 150 milligrams a day (average cup of coffee) for best results.
Resources:
- http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-coffee18-2009may18,0,7483815.column
- http://men.webmd.com/features/coffee-new-health-food?page=2
- http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/coffee.htm
- Annals of Internal Medicine, January 2004; vol 140; pp 1-8.
December 6th, 2009 at 8:15 am
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