Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.
The good ole cup of Joe! Some can’t do without it, some just
like a cup once in a while. Is it good for you or not? Is the caffeine bad?
Let’s look at what some recent research has to say.
Most people have been told, and believe, that coffee is bad
for you. I’ve heard it called, “sin in a cup.” But, as with many notions
derived from lack of actual research, it isn’t true. Coffee actually shows some
beneficial properties. The greatest benefit comes to those in middle age and
beyond.
A 10 year study showed that people who drank four cups of
coffee per day had a 64% decrease in their risk of dying of any cause. Among
those over 45, every two cups of coffee per day reduced their risk of dying by
30%; no such association was seen in younger adults. This study did account for
variables such as gender, lifestyle, overall diet and other demographic
information, such as smoking, sugar consumption and other factors. In all
cases, these factors didn’t impact the lowered death risk for coffee drinkers.
Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and Type 2 diabetes are
all chronic conditions managed and prevented by a healthy lifestyle. However,
regular coffee drinking has proven to have a reduced risk in developing these
conditions.
The caffeine in coffee can increase exercise performance by
10%. The effects are best produced by drinking a cup of coffee about one hour
prior to activity. Water is still the best hydration, but coffee does not cause
dehydration, as popular opinion has it.
The caffeine in coffee also has been shown to increase
alertness and productivity throughout the day. One of the ways businesses
subtly increase worker performance is to allow and encourage coffee consumption
during the workday. Conversely, it also interferes with sleep patterns, as most
already know. So if you have sleeping difficulties, leave the coffee alone
after supper.
Coffee also has substances that protect the liver against
cirrhosis.
Some studies suggest pregnant women can drink three cups of
coffee a day without incurring health risk. Dr. Mercola still recommends
pregnant women avoid caffeine, but several good studies show a link between
coffee consumption and lower fetal mortality. Moderation is the key during
pregnancy, in all things.
Coffee can help you burn fat, improve energy levels and
fight depression.
The worst thing about coffee is drinking coffee from bad
sources. There are many additives and pesticides used in the non-organic
growing process. Choose organically grown coffee for the best health effects.
The other additives people put in coffee, like artificial
sweeteners and fake flavorings are not part of the healthful effects of coffee.
Use natural flavorings and stevia if you need, but avoid the calories and sugar
most tends to use.
If you’re a coffee drinker and want to enjoy these benefits,
remember a cup of coffee is 8 ounces, not 32. No studies were done using pots
of coffee as the measure of benefit!