Can You Consider Coffee as a Health Drink?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/marfis75/2939337382/sizes/m/in/photostream/Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world today. It contains antioxidants which are famous for being used in dietary supplements to prevent cancer and other heart diseases. Though in the past there has been a lot of debate regarding whether coffee is healthy or not and about the probable health risks associated with coffee intake. Now after a lot of study, researchers have proved coffee could be considered a healthy drink.

Antioxidants Prevent Oxidation

Due to antioxidants like Chlorogenic acid and Melanoidins which are present in the coffee, the oxidation process which causes damage to cells is counteracted and then aging is prevented. These antioxidants speed up the cell replacement process which helps in slowing down the process of aging and also subdues the free radicals. It also increases the life span. Coffee helps in kicking out the negative effects of oxidation like oxidative stress and free radicals which are harmful for the body.

Coffee Serves as an Anti-depressant.

Coffee drinkers are likely to be less depressed than others. This is especially true for women. Researchers show that the women who drink coffee are less likely to develop depression and are about twenty percent less depressed. The Nurse’s Health Study on coffee indicated a possibility of the rate in suicide to be lowered because of coffee. Though not a direct causal relationship, it is believed that avid coffee lovers are less prone to commit suicide. The ingredient which releases stress might not be clear in coffee, but there is meek antidepressant effect of caffeine.

Protection Against Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease which occurs due to high level of sugar in the blood. Coffee contains chromium and magnesium, the two primary antioxidants which facilitates the body to use the insulin present in the body. People who drink more than five cups of coffee a day are less likely to develop diabetes. For the purpose of preventing the start of type 2 diabetes it is advisable to drink decaffeinated coffee due to the high content of Caffeic and Chlorogenic acid present in it, which are chemical substances responsible for preventing diabetes. JAMA, The journal of the American Medical Association concluded that regular intake of coffee reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Reduces Risk of Cancer

The compounds present in antioxidants in coffee can help for the reduction in the risk of cancer. More than four cups of coffee helps to reduce the levels of oestrogen and insulin which are the primary causes of gynaecological cancers. Even among women who drink lots of coffee they have a less chance of getting breast cancer. For men, consuming 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day reduces 30% of risk of having prostate cancer.

Lowers the Risk of Kidney Stones
Intake of coffee reduces crystallization of calcium oxalate with help of caffeine which increases the volume of urine, thereby preventing crystallization. It must be noted that both tea and coffee takers have reported a lower risk of kidney stones.

Choose Your Coffee Wisely

Be smart and think healthy while choosing your coffee. It’s better to opt for organic coffee beans as it more beneficial than the inorganic ones. Dark roasted beans have high level of antioxidants. It must be kept in mind that coffee decaffeinated or caffeinated doesn’t matter much to avail the benefits of coffee. It’s also favourable if you are a regular coffee drinker to use a proper coffee machine to brew your coffee. Moderation is the best answer to the question of the limit of coffee which is healthy.

Coffee as discussed above is sure to give great health benefits, but one must keep in mind that coffee contains caffeine which is addictive. If taken in excess amounts, caffeine can be toxic thereby causing harm to the body. Even people who quit coffee suffer from various problems like regular headaches, lack of sleep etc. A balance must be maintained in order to achieve a healthy life. A cup of coffee or a mug of your favourite java is always healthy if you take it in the ideal amount and in the right way.

Claudia is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on luxury and technology. She recently read an article on dehydration that attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on free ecofriend.

Comments

[James Dugan]

It is nice to hear I am doing something healthy. Great information in the post. With all the schools and doctors banning soda and juice, it would be funny if they give the kids coffee. I remember when I was growing up that the adults would prevent us from drinking the disgusting hot beverage by saying it will stunt your growth. It is refreshing news and I think I will have a lunch time cup.
Great to have you at lunch. Please come back often with more good news. Can you find something good about cheese curls?

[Nick Carraway]

I love coffee and even if the opposite of this post was true, I'd probably still drink it. But I'm all for increasing longevity through stuff I already do. I recently saw an infographic that also listed moderate alcohol consumption, moderate chocolate consumption, and consuming garlic as additional foods with life increasing properties. Check, check, and check. Looks like I'm doing pretty good.