I love coffee but heard too much can be bad for you. Is that true?
Amy N. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca; and our nutrition expert, Dr. Joey Shulman answered:
Ah...coffee. Who doesn't love the morning lift you get from your morning java? Coffee has become more than a drink - it has merged its way into being part of our language and culture!
The pros and cons of coffee are a very hotly debated topic in the nutritional world. Let's begin with a discussion of the pros. Research conducted at Harvard University showed that regular coffee consumption lowered the risk of type II diabetes. The mechanism as to why this occurred is unclear and further research into this area needs to be conducted. Other studies have shown coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, prevent the development of colon cancer and improve cognitive function.
There is also a downside to coffee that exists. Coffee is highly acidic and can leach precious minerals from our system. Coffee can also cause anxiety, heart palpitations, raise blood pressure and can be highly addictive. Many report that drinking too much coffee can actually leave them feeling more tired than alert. Lastly, the diuretic effect of coffee must be taken into account by compensating with the consumption of water.
So...with all this information, do I give coffee a thumbs up or a thumbs down? I believe that one cup of coffee a day is safe to drink as long as you do not experience side effects such as the jitters, anxiety or are pregnant. I do recommend purchasing organic coffee as the regular coffee bean is heavily sprayed with herbicides and pesticides and although this is more costly, I think it is well worth the investment. I also encourage coffee drinkers to avoid "coffee whiteners" that are loaded with partially hydrogenated fats.
The bottom line is coffee should be a "treat", not a beverage to rely on for energy or hydration. And if you experience negative effects from coffee, or are looking for a wonderful and energy boosting replacement, try green tea for its anti-oxidant, fat-burning and energizing effects.
Dr. Joey Shulman is a national best selling author. Her latest release The Last 15 - A Weight Loss Breakthrough is now widely available. For more information, please visit www.drjoey.com