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Coffee – The Good and The Bad

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What would the world be without our Lattes, Decafs and Mochas – coffee is undoubtedly the elixir of life for millions of people worldwide. Though in the recent years it has garnered a bad reputation and has been associated with over-caffeination and insomnia. However coffee is much healthier than you thought, and can actually work wonders for your health if taken in moderation.

Here are some positive aspects of this drink:

  • Increases Alertness: Caffeine is a well-known stimulant and is known to increase alertness in individuals. This is because it stimulates the nervous system and regulates blood pressure and intestinal functions in the body.
  • Stimulating Breath – Caffeine dilates and opens up the airways, and is great for those who face breathing difficulties such as asthma/bronchitis. People who have recently undergone a surgery are sometimes treated with caffeine to help stimulate breathing.
  • Rich in Antioxidants – As you might already know, your cup of java is extremely rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect against the free radical damage in the body, prevent high blood pressure and pre-mature aging.
  • Weight Loss – Coffee can help burn extra calories by boosting your metabolism. A cup of Coffee in the morning can give you instant energy and help you workout and exercise for longer duration.  It is also low in calories. Of course the extra cream and sugar have to be done away with!
  • Treating Migraines – Ever wondered how a cup of coffee can dissolve away your headache within minutes? Caffeine has analgesic properties, and is even a common ingredient used in over-the-counter painkillers.
  • Diuretic functions – Caffeine content in coffee causes the kidneys to produce more urine, which helps in flushing out the toxins from the body.
  • Improved Brain Function – People who consume 2-3 cups of coffee every day are more productive at work and remember things better. As per a recent study, coffee drinkers are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in their golden years.
  • Type 2 Diabetes – Several studies have shown that Chlorgoenic acid found in coffee can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Caffeine is known to raise blood sugar levels and increase energy expenditure in the short-term. It also increases your body’s insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
  • Cancer – As per a study conducted by the Harvard Medical School, regular coffee drinkers are 50% less likely to suffer from breast, colon and prostate cancer. This can be attributed to the high antioxidant content in coffee.
  • Liver Cirrhosis – Cirrhosis of Liver refers to the scarring of Liver tissues and is a common ailment amongst alcoholics. A wide range of studies conducted under different settings, have all shown that those who drink 3-4 cups of coffee everyday are 80% less likely to suffer from Liver Cirrhosis.

While the list of health benefits of coffee seems pretty impressive, there are some adverse effects of this drink as well that you should be aware of.

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Adverse Health Effects of Coffee

  • Addictive – Those who drink coffee regularly know how addictive it can be. Most people feel extremely weak and lethargic if they do not get their daily dose of coffee. Quitting coffee can cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and depression.
  • Weight Gain – Apart from the rich layer of cream and sugar that is added to your java, there are other reasons why coffee can lead to weight gain. Caffeine stimulates the production of stress hormones in the body, which stimulates appetite and craving for high-calorie foods. Although caffeine is known to assist with short-term weight loss, in the longer run heavy consumption is more likely to lead to weight gain.
  • Anxiety – As mentioned earlier, caffeine can over-stimulate the central nervous system causing anxiety and jitters. Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee each day can exhaust the adrenal glands, decrease resistance to stress and make you more susceptible to diseases.
  • Heartburn – Coffee is known to trigger the secretion of stomach acids, resulting in bouts of indigestion and heartburn. In people with a history of stomach problems, even decaffeinated coffee can lead to heartburn.
  • Hypoglycemia – Caffeine is known to trigger a release of glycogen by the liver, causing an imbalance in blood sugar levels. This condition also known as Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can lead to weakness, sweating, nervousness and heart palpitations.
  • Fertility – Excessive consumption of Caffeine is responsible for a variety of fertility problems including infertility. It has even been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. Numerous studies have revealed that caffeine consumption by pregnant women can lead to low birth weight.
  • Osteoporosis – Excessive intake of coffee interferes with the proper absorption of nutrients and minerals by the bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. A study done on post-menopausal women found that drinking 4 or more cups of coffee per day could lead to decreased bone density.
  • Dehydration – Coffee is a potent diuretic and having it in excess can lead to dehydration. A lot of people who have more than 5-6 cups of coffee per day complain of dehydration and other associated health disorders. Dehydration also dries out the skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and stretch marks.

Though not entirely harmful, coffee is not innocent either and you should be aware of the health effects of this drink. Moderation is the key here – limit your coffee intake to 2-3 cups (or fewer) a day and do not over indulge!

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Larry & Oksana Ostrovsky, founders of BeWellBuzz, are Life Upgrade Coaches committed to helping you navigate through the latest natural health and personal development information to a destination of optimal wellness. The goal of this site is to be a catalyst in creating and spreading the Buzz, dispelling dangerous myths, society norms and helping you elevate your spirit, do more, live better, and think deeper one day at a time. We’d like to thank you in advance for not only visiting and arming yourself with great information but also sharing it with family and friends. Check out and subscribe to our YouTube Channel and become a fan of our Facebook Page.  
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Comments

  1. Andrew Mesecher says

    Awesome site! Your style is so much better in comparison to most other writers. Thank you for posting when you get the chance to, I will be sure to return!

  2. Russ says

    You’ve missed the single biggest problem with coffee–it radically increases systemic inflammation, which studies are showing to be the underlying cause for more and more diseases to the point where some researchers are willing to say that it’s an underlying cause for *every* major disease.

    You’ve also missed a big positive–reduction in likelihood of alzheimer’s.

    If if increases systemic inflammation, that’s reason enough to avoid it for me.

    –russ

    • Gordon Bell says

      I think the negative issues with coffee, which you point out …can be minimized, reduced and perhaps eliminated by consuming coffee which is deemed alkaline due to it being infused with Ganoderma, a Chinese herb AND by using organic coffee versus regular “Fair Trade” coffee.

      I recall a surgeon being interviewed over 20 years ago saying he advised a patient to stop drinking coffee a few weeks prior to the scheduled surgery because it inhibits positive results. When the patient came back for a preoperative exam, it was determined there was NO need for surgery. He called non-organic coffee “pesticide soup”. I don’t think the growers are using any less pesticides since. Coffee is grown in countries that reportedly have no limits on the amounts of pesticides they can use.

    • SarahK says

      Coffee is not a healthy product (whether decaf or caf). It disrupts the hormonal system (endocrine system), stresses the adrenal glands, disrupts cell repair, damages DNA, increases free-radical actvity and damage. It depletes the body of vital minerals and vitamins (magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, iron), leading to suppressed immunity. PLUS it leaches DHEA, leading to accelerated aging. There is plenty of research that shows that the supposed increase in alertness is temporary and does not in fact improve your concentration levels. Caffeine leads to irritability and mood swings, increased risk of heart attacks and certain types of cancer.

      As with all ‘research’, look at who funded it. Coffee producers are not going to tell you the bad news about their products! Remember also that coffee is THE most pesticide-ridden crop in the world (and probably the most expensive).

      For the definitive info on caffeine and coffee, read “Caffeine Blues” by Stephen Cherniske, M.S.

  3. Gordon Bell says

    I discovered a spectacular that reverses Chronic Fatigue, something from which I suffered for more than 30 years.

    You can see on my website http://gordonbell.organogold.com that the secret is it contains Ganoderma a 4000 year old Chinese herb. Ganoderma is known to provide an incomparable sense of serenity and fulfillment.

    Note the soon the be released King of Coffee as it is 100% organic coffee as are the Ganoderma spores.

    You’ll likely feel so darn good, you won’t be able to stop yourself from not only becoming addicted to it, you won’t be able to stop telling others about how you feel.

  4. Joan says

    This is to “Russ”. You obviously did not read the article. It states very plainly that coffee drinkers are less likely to get Alzheimer’s in their golden years.

  5. Ernest.H.Bussell says

    I congratulate you on your coverage of Coffee. For many years, as a police officer, I drank copiuos amounts of both Tea and Coffee (About 20 cups per day !!!!! – honest) Thankfully at the age of 31yrs I moved into Natural Remedies as a career and have done it ever since (Now 71yrs) I stopped drinking tea but have the odd cup of coffee a few times a week. Your subject content presents an accurate view of what I have experienced both personally and professionally. What I would say, is if you drink coffee, avoid the instant stuff. We luckily have a proper cafe that serves only REAL coffee and twice a week makes it a real treat. In fact, I am drink my Friday cup as I write.

  6. Dorothy says

    In the positive list for coffee, I was surprised that to see “stimulating breath.” But as I read further, I realized that the “ing” was misplaced. It should have stated “Stimulates breathing,” which it did later on. The “ing” makes a big difference in how this is understood!

  8. Hmmm says

    Just wondered WHERE all this information comes from?

    The only statement this wedsite has to say on the subject of its research is this:

    “The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgement available to the authors, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.”

    …Well, must be true then!

  13. zyczenia says

    My brother recommended I might like this website. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  15. D Pitts says

    I have MS and I have noticed that when I drink coffee it helps me…so bad press aside- I think I’m going to keep on drinking my Java.

  17. Muhammad jahangir says

    This web site proved medicine for my condistions.I will suggest all web users must vist this web page so you can get factual information about your health .Beside unhealthy effects coffee has successfully sharped my mind.Long time ago, I felt dizzy, lazy and sleepy, it stimulated me well.Now,after having a cup of coffee at night i can go well with my studies.only step to reduce habit of addiction to coffe is that you must take a counted quantity of coffee i.e 1-2 cups a day,not more than 2 cups.Be healthy and hardworking,thank you all.

  18. Sheraz Ali says

    This web site is a great helper in maintaining your health. People who are concious about their health must visit it, awsome. I suggest all people to take recomended amount of coffe. Wish you good health.

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  21. Warszawa says

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  22. Max Tuck says

    I am concerned that the recommendation for avoiding osteoporosis is to add extra milk to your coffee. Whilst researching for my recent book, “Top 10 Raw Food Tips for Osteoporosis”, I too found out about the higher risk of osteoporotic fractures in heavy coffee drinkers. Dairy products, despite the massive food industry propaganda trying to tell us otherwise, are detrimental to bone health. They are highly acidic, have a poor calcium to magnesium ratio which causes leaching of minerals out of bones, and are high animal protein, which encourages excretion of calcium out in the urine, making it a triple whammy in favour of bone degeneration. Those nations with the highest dairy consumption have the highest osteoporosis incidence. I am saddened to see this respected author recommending the addition of dairy products to a drink that is already known to decrease bone density, to try to combat the risk of reduced bone density. Extra dairy consumption will only lead to further problems. If we are serious about maintaining bone health throughout life, we should eliminate coffee and dairy products, since they have both been shown clinically to be detrimental.

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