Coffee

It seems everyday we are bombarded with information regarding what we should and shouldn’t drink. I don’t know about you but I get pretty fed up with all the negative exposure some foods/drinks receive. Its time to put some common misconceptions to rest and start enjoying life and the things which give us pleasure on a daily basis. The good old coffee is about to receive a shot in the arm and this simple (and sometimes guilty) pleasure is back on the menu for all to enjoy.

So, is Coffee bad for your health?

Simple answer is NO. Based on moderate consumption there is no conclusive evidence that there are any harmful side effects. Sure you might get a head buzz from a double espresso on an empty stomach, and feel a little light headed for awhile, but this soon goes away. We don’t advocate having a double espresso every half hour but combined with a healthy balanced diet, coffee certainly can be part of your day.

Does Coffee increase the risk of some diseases?

Coffee is one of the most highly researched commodities in the world, so links are inevitably going to be found between drinking coffee and a one in a million chance of catching a particular disease. Studies in isolation cannot provide us a picture of the true link between coffee and such diseases, it is extremely sensible and logical to look at the total picture which suggests and supports that drinking coffee poses no risk to the consumer.

Does coffee raise my blood pressure?

Yes, it causes a slight rise in blood pressure, however scientists do not consider this as a sign or factor of hypertension. Hypertension risk factors are known to be high sodium intake, obesity, little exercise and low potassium intake. Coffee drinking causes no greater rises in blood pressure than everyday activities such as exercise or taking part in a conversation.

Do either caffeine or coffee cause cancer?

Most studies are inconclusive, there have been numerous studies conducted to link coffee/caffeine to an increase in the risk of contracting cancer and none of these studies have proven that there is any risk or likelihood of coffee causing cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated coffee, caffeine and tea and after assessing the available research, gave coffee the classification 2B which is ‘possibly carcinogenic to the human urinary bladder’. Since that time several well-conducted studies have been published which have demonstrated that coffee is not a casual factor in the development of cancer.

Are there any times when coffee is more beneficial to alertness?

Coffee does cause a mild stimulus on the body. Research has shown that caffeine has a benefit after lunch when the body’s rhythm is at its lowest. Research has also shown this is true for shift workers during the night.

Does drinking caffeine at night affect the quality of my sleep?

This can vary from person to person therefore it really depends on your own experiences. If caffeine affects you by producing a mild stimulus then it goes to reason that by drinking coffee late at night or just before sleep-time will affect your sleep patterns. You may consider choosing a decaffeinated version of your favorite coffee which should not cause any disruption to your normal sleep patterns.

Enjoying a great cup of coffee should be guilt free, but like most things should be consumed in moderation. There are many more questions that could be answered regarding the health benefits and negatives of coffee/caffeine consumption The questions answered in this article are but the tip of the coffee bean, and the resounding message is that coffee has some negatives and some positives but enjoying a delicious coffee on daily basis poses no risk whatsoever combined with a healthy and active lifestyle.

Along with enjoying the glorious taste of your favorite coffee is the art of making your own – by visiting http://www.coffeemachinebrands.com you can learn about the different types of coffee machines that are available and how to make the most delicious coffee right in your own home.

Author: Anthony Hegarty
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Coffee can make us feel more alert, boost our metabolism, make our heart race, affect our digestive system and more. And though most of us are aware of the brief caffeine high that coffee offers, most of us don’t really know how coffee truly affects our body.

To learn more about the effects of coffee, both immediate and long-term, keep reading.

Coffee as a Stimulant

Coffee and caffeine are stimulants. You know that when you drink coffee you feel more awake, but you also know that too much coffee can give you the jitters or cause irritability.

Because coffee is a stimulant, it can also wreak havoc on your sleeping schedule. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, try cutting back on your coffee consumption or opting for water or decaf after noon.

Coffee on the Digestive System

Coffee actually has fairly high acid levels, particularly with beans like Kenyan or Ethiopian roasts. This is why when you drink too much coffee on an empty stomach, you’ll often experience “coffee tummy” or “coffee gut,” a basic discomfort in your digestive system.

The caffeine and acid in coffee can also be problematic for people suffering from ulcers. So, if you’re having trouble with coffee, try switching to water, herbal teas or drinking milk with your coffee.

Coffee and Antioxidants

Coffee is actually the primary source of antioxidants for most North Americans. Antioxidants are, essentially, any compounds that fight or neutralize free radicals, which cause cells to break down and are cancer causing agents.

Studies have shown that coffee consumption can reduce the risk of developing liver cancer, throat cancer, Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease and cancer of the esophagus.

Coffee and Physical and Mental Performance

Coffee isn’t just a study aid because it helps you stay awake – regular coffee consumption can actually improve your cognitive ability. A recent study showed that participants who regularly consumed at least one to two coffees a day scored higher on short term memory recall, spatial ability, logic tests and general IQ testing.

Coffee and Weight Loss

Coffee is a stimulant, meaning with every sip of caffeine, your metabolism will get a kick start. You’ll also have more energy. For example, if you read the ingredients list for most pill-form dietary or weight-loss aids, you’ll see one of the main ingredients is often caffeine.

Coffee and Your Teeth

While coffee can actually reduce cavities thanks to its acidity, it can also cause major teeth staining. To keep your teeth white, follow a cup of coffee with a bottle of water and brush your teeth at least two to three times a day.

For details on enticing coffee flavors that explode your taste buds, please visit coffeetryst.com, a popular site of great coffee options, such as almond flavored coffee, a commercial super automatic Espresso machine, and many more!

Author: Wesley Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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