Are You Sure Coffee Is Good for You?

Well, let's see. According to the British Coffee Association, its research shows that drinking three cups of coffee a day can reduce the risk of fatal liver disease by up to 40 percent. But, that is the Coffee Association! Could they be just more than a little biased? In my quest to find out if coffee really is good for you, I discovered some interesting facts.

In 2006 Data gathered on 88,259 women in a Nurses Health Study found that coffee drinkers lowered their risk of type 2 diabetes by 13% if consuming 1 cup per day, 42% for 2-3 cups per day, and 47% for 3 cups per day, compared to non-coffee drinkers. Interestingly, coffee's beneficial effects were not due to caffeine; these reductions in disease risk were similar for those drinking decaffeinated as well as caffeinated, filtered, and even instant coffee.

As well, research has found that drinking coffee is in no way associated with increasing a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Nor is there any conclusive evidence that coffee/caffeine consumption increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

A study in the January 2006 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that among pre-menopausal women, consumption of regular (caffeinated) coffee, but not black tea, was associated with linear declines in breast cancer risk. A 40% reduction in risk of breast cancer was seen in pre-menopausal women drinking at least 4 cups of coffee a day.

Although caffeine can be found in breast milk, it is present in very small quantities, and normal coffee drinking women do not put their infants at risk. In any case, a moderate intake does not constitute any risk.

Then I read a thing in "You, The Owner's Manual" that moderate consumption (2-4 cups per day) appears to have significant benefits, including improved memory, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's by 25% and Parkinson's by 50%!

The National Osteoporosis Society in the UK states that, `We have yet to see any conclusive evidence that moderate coffee consumption is a significant risk factor in the development of osteoporosis.

Note: apparently this does not apply to women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT)! Other aspects of the diet and lifestyle, such as stress, smoking habits and obesity, are however, well established risk factors.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones are weakened or demineralised, which in turn can lead to an increased risk of fractures occurring. A two-year study of 92 post-menopausal women by researchers at Pennsylvania State College of Medicine has confirmed that any apparent relationship between caffeine consumption and bone mineral content completely disappears if known risk factors are controlled. You can help reduce that risk by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking calcium, vitamin D and antioxidant supplements.

In summary, while it might not be great for people with nervous stomachs, irritable bowel syndrome, or acid reflux, some studies have shown that coffee has quite a few health benefits, including lowering the risk of many diseases by 20-25%, including Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and colorectal cancer.

The bottom line is that the coffee bean is the fruit of the coffee plant, which is comprised of antioxidants! Personally I do not believe that it's the coffee itself, or the caffeine, but the antioxidant qualities!

I do NOT suggest, therefore, that you increase your coffee consumption or even start on a "coffee kick" just because it may have antioxidant benefits! The best and most potent antioxidants are specially formulated, concentrated whole fruits in their own natural juices for optimum consumption and benefits.

At the same time I am happy to reassure the coffee lover that most evidence suggests that regular consumption of coffee has no significant relationship with the risk of cancer at any site.

However, you know your own body best. If you get the jitters every time you so much as look at a cup of coffee, then you know it's not for you!

As in everything: Moderation and common sense is the key! And remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

N.B. As always, any health article submitted by me is for informational use only. It is to prompt YOU, the reader, to further do your own research and due diligence regarding your own health factors.

Ann Stewart, author, inspirational writer and wellness coach, shares tips on how to fight off disease and feel your best in her weekly newsletter,