Coffee and health
The debate over the health properties of coffee has been around for years – centuries in fact. Up to 1000 years ago, monks are thought to have been using the stimulatory effects of coffee berries to keep themselves awake during prayers.
Caffeine
Coffee gives us a buzz, but how and why? The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, working on a number of different chemicals in the body to perk us up and keep us awake:
Adenosine - this chemical messenger in the brain usually makes us feel drowsy, but caffeine stops it working, keeping us active.
Adrenaline - our heart beats faster when we drink coffee as the caffeine causes us to release more adrenaline
Dopamine – not related in any way to being ‘dopey’, this brain chemical makes us feel good, with caffeine helping us produce more.
Glycogen – caffeine helps us to use this short-term source of energy more effectively.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are more commonly associated with fruits and vegetables, but we find them in coffee too. They are several different types, but the major ones are called polyphenols. These are also found in chocolate, red wine, green and black tea. Antioxidants can help prevent cancer and slow the effects of ageing.
Good for your bones
Milk contains calcium, which is good for your bones. Just one 400ml bowl of latte can give you half the calcium you need in a day; a flat white about a third.
Heart Health
Low fat
Choosing a coffee made with trim milk will cut the fat content by at least half. A trim flat white contains just 3.5g fat. Black coffee contains virtually no fat at all.
Caffeine and cholesterol
It was suggested at one time drinking coffee raised blood cholesterol levels. We now know this is not true. It’s only the Scandinavian method of coffee-making which can cause this to happen. In Scandinavia, coffee is made very differently to espresso, by boiling on the top of the stove.
Blood pressure
Experts now agree drinking less coffee is not a necessary treatment for high blood pressure. Most health organisations suggest a moderate amount, around 2-3 cups a day can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you have high blood pressure, you should seek individual advice from your doctor or nurse.
Female health
Pregnancy
Large amounts of caffeine can affect a developing foetus, as it crosses into the placenta. The Ministry of Health advises a maximum intake of 300mg caffeine a day during pregnancy. This equates to about three cups of espresso a day, so you can still enjoy your daily ‘pick-me-up’ without harming your growing baby.
PMS
As the caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, it can affect our mood and behaviour. Those who suffer pre-menstrual syndrome should be aware of this, and consider reducing their intake if sensitive to caffeine.
Fertility
A high intake of caffeine may reduce your chance of becoming pregnant. If you are having difficulty conceiving, two to three cups of coffee would be a sensible limit.
Coffee drinking is a great social habit, making us feel good, which has to be
healthy. Taking time out to meet friends and family is all important ‘R & R’.
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