Recent studies have begun to debunk the theory that drinking coffee is bad for your health. With so many people throughout the world starting their day with a few cups of coffee, the health effects associated with this routine have become of major importance.
The one drawback to coffee, which is also the main reason for its consumption, is caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant which raises heart rate and blood pressure. However, this effect is generally considered short lived.
Recent data about the health benefits of drinking coffee are numerous. One such benefit is the reduction in the development of colon cancer. This benefit is found with higher consumption of four cups a day or more which may actually be too much and lead to other complications.
Drinking coffee in moderation has many of its own benefits. Drinking coffee allows the consumer to intake the antioxidants contained in the drink. Antioxidants help decrease the chances of heart disease and some cancers. The levels of antioxidants in coffee are often higher than those contained in tomatoes.
Coffee is also believed to reduce the effects of Parkinson’s disease, decrease the risk of type-2 diabetes, and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Digestion is also aided as caffeine increases the levels of stomach acids.
The caffeine in coffee also helps to reduce the airway constriction that affects asthma sufferers. Plus, coffee contains a compound called theophylline which helps dialate the bronchial region.
We know coffee provides some health benefits but it also comes with risks.
Heavy coffee consumption has been linked with a reduction in fertility, an increase in LDL-cholesterol, and less dense bones in women. In addition, some who drink more than four cups of coffee a day have shown signs of incontinence in the urinary system.
It all basically boils down to the consumption levels. Moderate consumption of coffee tends to provide more benefits to drinkers than risks. If caffeine is the worry, many decaffeinated varieties exist that will still provide you with a great cup of the world’s favorite morning beverage.
