At last, there is an answer to a question that many have been asking, Is coffee healthy for you? If you’re an avid coffee drinker like me, you will be happy to learn that our favorite drink is now considered a healthy drink.
Coffee was not always considered a healthy drink because of its high caffeine content. But now, more and more studies show that coffee—in moderation—can be considered as a healthy drink because of the number of benefits one can enjoy from drinking it. That makes me Very Happy!
In most countries, coffee is considered to be a staple drink. In fact, all over the world, people have their specialty coffee from beans that only grow and found in that part of the globe. I love my Starbucks Latte’s and while it’s not considered a gourmet coffee, McDonalds has good coffee also.
Benefits Of Drinking Coffee
So, why is coffee good for you?
1. Coffee is an excellent source of anti-oxidants. A cup of coffee is believed to be loaded with tannin and antioxidants that are beneficial in keeping diseases away and can help achieve a healthier skin. Certain properties of coffee are believed to help control the cell damage which leads to the development of certain diseases.
2. Coffee is good for the cardiovascular system. Experts agree that coffee contains properties that are good for the heart and its arteries. It also helps improve the circulation of blood within the person’s heart.
3. Whenever I feel a headache coming on I reach for a cup of Coffee. Coffee is an alternative headache and asthma reliever. People who consume enough amount of caffeine are known to reduce risks of possible asthma attacks because the caffeine is believed to be a good pain buster.
4. Promotes healthy liver. Aside from reducing the risk of several serious cardiovascular illnesses, coffee is believed to bring about healthy benefits to the liver especially those who have cirrhosis and gallstones.
5. Controls sugar levels among diabetics. Coffee is known to be a good source of “chlorogenic acid,” that are proven to reduce large amounts of glucose concentrations in the blood. People who are prone to diabetes can consume larger quantities of coffee because it greatly helps in the prevention of diabetes.
6. It can be a boost to athleticism. As a health drink, drinking coffee can be a good way to boost one’s athleticism because of its high caffeine content. Experts agree that caffeine can enhance the athletic endurance and performance of an athlete, what more in an ordinary person?
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Research Studies
Research shows that regular coffee drinkers are 80 percent less likely to have Parkinson’s disease. While 2-cups-a-day drinkers can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 25 percent and 80 percent in liver cirrhosis risk. It can even slash the risk of gallstones by half. There are even studies showing that people who smoke and drink heavily, have less heart and liver damage because of their coffee intake. That’s hard to believe but their scientists, not me.
So, what causes these benefits? It is the anti-oxidants, and surprisingly from the caffeine also. Currently, drugs for curing Parkinson’s disease are being developed. These drugs have a derivative of caffeine as their component. Coffee also has chlorogenic acid and tocopherols which are antioxidants. These mineral components can improve insulin sensitivity. When we talk about insulin sensitivity, it is the body’s response to insulin.
There were studies conducted in Europe citing that the trigonelline, the compound which is why coffee smells good and has a bitter taste, also has benefits. It can be both antibacterial and anti-adhesive. These prevent the formation of dental cavities.
Harmful Effects Of Caffeine
For pregnant women, if coffee cannot be avoided, then it is recommended just to drink one to two cups a day. Infertility, miscarriages, and low birth weight among babies are the primary reason why pregnant women are recommended against drinking coffee.
Excessive caffeine intake can also lead to nervousness, anxiety and rapid heartbeat. The caffeine overstimulates the nervous system, making the adrenal glands work overboard. Osteoporosis patients are also advised against coffee. Coffee reduces the capability of bones to absorb the necessary minerals, making the bones weak and in risk of osteoporosis. But the effects can be reduced if milk is mixed with coffee.
For some people, coffee can also be addictive. People who have stopped drinking coffee experience withdrawal symptoms. They would get headaches, less energy, and alertness, difficulty in being focused, get irritated easily and sometimes even get depressed.
Over caffeine consumption can also have an impact on your skin since it increases the risk of developing stretch marks. Caffeine may also play a role in weight gain. Although, it is mentioned that coffee drinkers may lose weight in the short-term, but in a longer period of time, coffee can lead to weight gain.
You Make The Choice
Coffee has both good and bad effects. Similar to other beverages and food, when it is taken in large amounts, it is more likely to have undesirable effects in your body.
Whether coffee can be considered as a health drink, it is up to you to make the choice.
