Is Coffee a Health Food?
You’re not imagining it. When you have a cup of coffee, actually do experience improvement in cognitive performance, alertness and even some aspects of physical activity. In a June 2008 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 130,000 people were followed for 20 years and the study concluded regular coffee drinking can be linked to a longer life.
THE PERKS
Blood sugar control. Coffee contains phenols which some studies say may regulate blood sugar. That might be why drinking joe has been linked to lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (hold the sugar).
Gallbladder health. Gallbladder function appears to be stimulated by caffeine and may prevent bile from crystalizing into gallstones.
Hearts and Minds. In the 2008 study, the lower mortality rate was attributed to the reduced risk of heart attack and stroke, especially for women. Drinkers of 2 to 5 cups a day lowered the risk by 30 percent. And the researchers don’t think it was the caffeine. Decaf drinkers had similar benefits. But be sure to use a filter. Those flying filterless (using a French press or built in non-paper filters) can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol from cafestol, that can be filtered.
Parkinson’s disease prevention. Caffeine can boost the supply of dopamine the brain which may protect against the disease.
THE GROUNDS
There are drawbacks to overdoing caffeinated beverages.
Drug interaction. Certain antidepressants and antipsychotics can interact with caffeine, causing side effects.
Weak bones.High caffeine consumption can increase excretion of calcium in urine, potentially increasing the risk of kidney stones and weaker bones.
Stomach upset. Both regular and decaf pack acids that can inflame the esophagus and stomach, provoking gastritis, which is characterized by upper abdominal pain, bloating, burping and nausea.
Pregnancy issues. One study found that high doses of caffeine may lower birth weight in babies and at high levels (5 cups a day), increase risk of spontaneous abortion.
WHAT TO DO?
For most of us, moderate consumption has potential benefits, with minor side effects. But certain people need to be careful:
People with heart disease should limit consumption and wait before exercising. Check with your doctor.
People with osteoporosis may interfere with bone health by reducing calcium absorption.
Pregannt women. Go easy or eliminate it.
People with stomach problems. Cut back and see if it helps.
Unsure? Check with your doctor. 
January 3, 2009 at 1:30 am
Thanks for the update on coffee’s benefits. I guess I can count a cup of coffee as one of my daily vegetable servings lol.
January 15, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Thats good to know I was thinking about giveing up starbucks for awhile, guess not now ^_^