By: Dr. Alyssa Musgrove
According to the National Coffee Association, 83% of American adults drink an
average of two cups of coffee a day. In fact, the United States spends about $4 billion
a year importing coffee, and coffee is considered the world’s second most valuable
trade commodity behind petroleum.
So, coffee definitely has a wide fan base. But is coffee good for your health?
Coffee contains caffeine, which acts as a stimulant for the central nervous system.
The amount of caffeine in coffee varies dramatically depending on the bean used
and the method by which the coffee is brewed. Dark roasts have a stronger, bolder
flavor, but contains about 15 to 20 percent less caffeine than light roasts of the same
variety. This is because the roasting process of the bean reduces the caffeine
content.
An average eight-ounce cup of brewed coffee from ground beans contains about 90-
100 milligrams (mg) of caffeine compared to a cup of green tea that has about 40-50
mg or Coca-Cola, which has 45 mg. One-ounce of espresso contains about 30-50 mg
of caffeine. Decaf coffee in the United States must be 97 percent caffeine-free,
meaning an eight ounce cup will still have 5-10 milligrams of caffeine.
Coffee can increase mental and physical performance and temporarily restore
alertness, thereby increasing motivation and productivity. Coffee also increases
blood flow to the brain, thereby increasing brain activity. Coffee can also be a
performance enhancer and can contribute to higher stamina and concentration. One
report, published by the School of Sport and Exercise Science, found athletic
performance times were significantly faster among adult men who drank coffee
prior to exercising compared to the placebo group, who drank decaf.
Coffee also contains a high source of antioxidants. When antioxidants are increased
in the blood, it helps fight free radicals that can be damaging to the body. Coffee
contains polyphenols, which are the same kind of antioxidants found in red wine
and cocoa. These antioxidants may attribute to lowering oxidative stress and
inflammation, potentially lowering your risk for disease.
There are potential drawbacks to coffee that are worth considering. The caffeine in
coffee can leave some people feeling anxious and jittery. Additionally, consuming
too much caffeine can have addictive side effects. For those prone to sleep-related
problems, anxiety and heart palpitations, coffee might need to be off limits. People
with low stomach acid or those who battle heartburn symptoms might be bothered
by coffee, as well.
Since coffee contains caffeine, which alters your physiology and mood, it also has the
ability to impact hormones and neurotransmitter function. Many people use coffee
to mask fatigue and exhaustion from working long, tiring days. When caffeine is
used to keep you going, or you depend on it to wake up, it may disguise underlying
fatigue that may be coming from another health condition or end up causing one
from lack of rest. Sometimes your body needs rest and time to reboot when you are
worn out.
Black coffee is a better choice than energy drinks, soda, sweet teas and juices. Black
coffee contains no sugar or carbs and minimal calories. Usually it’s what people add
to their coffee that makes it unhealthy. If you do drink coffee, try to have it black or
sweetened with organic cane sugar or stevia. For those who prefer milk in their
coffee, reach for “no sugar added” nut milks (almond, cashew etc.), coconut milk or
rice milk.
Some people maintain cold-brewed coffee is healthier than regular, hot-brewed
coffee. Cold-brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in room temperature, or
cold water, for an extended period of time (8-24 hours). Advocates claim cold brew
coffee is up to 60% less acidic than typical hot coffee. Less acidic coffee can have a
smoother taste and be better for teeth enamel and stomach acid balance. It also
keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Whether or not coffee is good for your health depends on your own body and how
well you are able to tolerate it. If you do not have any issues consuming it, it’s safe to
indulge in a cup.
Pathways to Healing specializes in holistic chiropractic care. Dr. Alyssa Musgrove
draws on a variety of techniques, including chiropractic, kinesiology, nutrition, food
allergy testing and lifestyle counseling to assist clients in achieving optimal health and
wellness in one setting. Pathways to Healing is located at 1022 Founders Row, Lake
Oconee Village, Greensboro. The office can be reached at 706-454-2040.