Coffee: Good or Bad?

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Per request, today's blog topic will be the health benefits/concerns of coffee as they are known to me. As you all know, I do drink coffee, though I try to stick to one or two cups per day. I believe that drinking this amount balances out what may be good or bad about it.

First off I will begin by saying that research is a bit inconclusive about how bad or good coffee is for your health. One study suggests that regular coffee consumption can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, and gout. Also, people who regularly drink coffee during their midlife are less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease in their late life. However, coffee can also increase the risk of acid reflux and related diseases.

The main health benefit of coffee that I'm familiar with is the antioxidants it contains. Antioxidants aid in protecting cells from damage by free radicals in the environment. Coffee also contains polyphenals which interfere with iron absorption. So, if you are prone to anemia, this could be an adverse affect for you. However, since iron is considered a carcinogen to the liver, coffee can be associated with decreasing risk for liver cancer.

The most negative thing about coffee is caffeine. For a more in-depth look at caffeine, see my blog post on it. Caffeine draws moisture out of your body, so to avoid risk of dehydration make sure to drink at least one glass of water per cup of coffee. Caffeine is linked to decreasing headaches, yet those who consume it regularly can then develop headaches from lack of it (during withdrawal). Caffeine is also considered an antidepressant. It can block inhibitory affects of adenosine on dopamine nerves in the brain.

This is about all I know about coffee right now. I drink it every day in moderation. You can take this information and make your own decision about how much coffee you want to drink.