Over half of the adult American population drinks coffee daily. Since 2003, statistics show the average consumer drinks about three cups per day. According to the 2010 Census, over 308 million people reside in the United States – no calculator is necessary to understand how much money the coffee industry is reeling in. It is plain as the Starbucks sign a block from your house – coffee equals cash.
While keeping these numbers in mind, listed below are benefits and hazards of coffee consumption taken from various studies over the past ten years.
The Good
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Number One source of antioxidants in the American diet according to a 2005 study at the University of Scranton
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Coffee consumption may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by increasing blood levels of SHBG (sex-hormone binding globulin)
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A 2009 study in Finland following 1,400 people over a period of 20 years suggests decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia
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In 2010, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists announced moderate coffee drinking appears to have no major effects on miscarriage, premature delivery, or fetal growth.
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Fantastic to have on hand in the case of a migraine – the caffeine constricts blood vessels in the brain, relieving the pain.
The Bad
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The acidity of coffee destroys healthy bacteria in the gut, crucial to digestion and immune function and may contribute over time to candida overgrowth.
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Caffeine resembles the neurotransmitter adenosine. Adenosine is a chemical produced by the brain to calm the central nervous system. When coffee is consumed, the caffeine blocks adenosine production, thereby stimulating the adrenal glands. Simply put, the body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode. During this “fight-or-flight” mode, blood pressure increases, heart rate increases, and blood sugar is released from bodily stores to fuel the body for a marathon or battle. Chronic adrenal stimulation results in the pancreas releasing more and more insulin to reduce blood sugar levels and eventually the body becomes insulin resistant. (Is it just coincidence all those sweet treats are at the checkout of any coffee shop??)
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Increased intestinal transit time (read: pooping more quickly) means less time for the body to absorb nutrients. Drinking coffee contributes to nutritional deficiencies including but not limited to: calcium, magnesium, Vitamin C Complex, and Vitamin B Complex.
The Ugly
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Coffee is best used as an enema to purify the liver. (Seriously.)
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Coffee breath. Enough said.
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