It seems you hear something different in the news almost every day about coffee. One minute its got some great health benefits and the next, it's the worst thing out there. So let's set the record straight and answer some of the most common questions about coffee.
#1. Is Coffee Bad For You?
Well, this is a very generalized questions and the answer depends entirely on your current health. Studies on coffee have shown that it actually lowers the risk of Type II diabetes and Parkinson's Disease. It also acts on our brain's neurotransmitters to elevate our mood, perks us up, reduces fatigue and curbs appetite. On the flip side, coffee contains acids that can make heartburn worse, irritate the bowel lining and, if you're not drinking enough water, can lead to urinary tract irritation and infection. As with everything in life, moderation is the key.
#2. Is Caffeine Bad For You?
Here again, it depends on your health. And each person seems to react differently to its stimulating effects. Some people can't have caffeine at all without getting headaches, nausea, nervousness and irritability. While others can drink a whole pot and it doesn't seem to affect them at all The general consensus in the medical community is that 200 mg of caffeine is fine for most people (that's about 2 cups of joe) and any more than that, some people will start feeling the above effects. And most certainly, the brain can become addicted to the stimulation of caffeine. In which case, you would see withdrawal symptoms, similar to those mentioned above.
#3. Is Coffee A Diuretic?
Studies show that coffee can be a slight diuretic at higher consumption. Meaning more than about 3 cups. That's regular cup's mind you, not the super big gulp size. If you tend to drink more than that, make sure you're also consuming plenty of water to keep your body in balance and to keep from getting dehydrated.
#4. Does Coffee Contain Antioxidants?
Now this is an interesting question. The coffee 'bean' is actually the roasted berries of the coffee plant and berries contain antioxidants. So yes, your java has some antioxidants. What research has found, is that those antioxidants are lost in the decaffeinating process. So if you're drinking decaf, you're missing out on about 1300 mg of antioxidants per cup. But if you're comparing that to say, a cup of blueberries at about 6600 mg, it's not so bad. Just eat the blueberries instead
Studies are ongoing with the world's favorite beverage and many health benefits continue to present themselves. So if you are a healthy person that consumes coffee in moderation, then drink up
Enjoy your java.
Samantha Greer - 20 year Holistic Health Practitioner and Coffee Lover Extraordinaire
