Coffee Benefits and Risks
Coffee is probably the most popular drink. Coffee plants are cultured in more than 70 countries. Coffee is something that can be enjoyed by pretty much everyone. It is not a costly item or something available only to individuals. This is a simple pleasure for the masses and something that can bring friends and family together. Because of enjoying so many different ages and different demographics of people, there are now so many different styles, flavors, and brews.
Coffee – good or bad
Half the population in America drinks it on a daily basis. Given this widespread popularity, it is no surprise that many people have wondered if it is an unhealthy habit. Caffeine, after all, is a stimulant drug and is addictive. For decades, medical advice from organizations like the American Heart Association has indicated that the mentioned drink may lead to high blood pressure and is bad for your heart, although studies majority is rather positive. Apart from caffeine, the popular drink contains antioxidants, bioflavonoids, B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and chromium. Research shows that not only are the non-caffeine elements of coffee anti-inflammatory, but they also work together. In addition, caffeine may actually activate beneficial pathways in our bodies at the DNA level. In other words, coffee helps reduce the risk of many diseases: Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart disease, Prostate cancer, but you should select only beans that are certified organic. Whenever possible, purchase sustainable “shade-grown” beans to help prevent the continued destruction of the forests and the birds that inhabit them. The darker roasts, such as French, Italian, or those used to make espresso, are higher in neuroprotective agents than the lighter roasts. Dark roast beans restore blood levels of the antioxidants vitamin E and glutathione more effectively than light roasts. Dark roast is also easier on your stomach as it contains a chemical that prevents your stomach from producing excess acid. The best time to drink is in the morning. Therefore, having a cup of organic drink or one shot of espresso in the morning is ideal. If you exercise in the morning, have your cup of espresso before the workout, as studies show that it boosts athletic performance, not after as the caffeine may interfere with your body’s muscle-building mechanism. However, do not go overboard, one or two cups in the morning should be the maximum for the day. Drink your favorite drink without sugar, artificial sweetener, or commercial creamers. Otherwise, you are undoing all its health benefits – sugar increases the risk of insulin resistance, suppresses the immune system, and perpetuates addictive food behavior. Also, you may add organic milk or cream. Skim or non-fat milk often has more sugar than whole milk, while commercial creamers tend to have unsavory ingredients.
Like with anything, coffee has its good side and its bad side, but the health benefits of coffee outweigh the bad side of it. Finally, coffee has plenty of antioxidants and nutrients that benefit your health. However, the stimulant effect of caffeine is a source of stress for your adrenal glands. Therefore, consuming only one or two cups, you will surely cut down your dependence on caffeine.