Cold weather sets in and for some there's nothing like a good cup of coffee to stave off the chill. For others, there's nothing like a cup of coffee to go with their oxygen. Most people have at one time or another wondered or worried about the effects of drinking coffee and for a while, the news seemed grim. However, more and more research points to positive benefits of consistent drinking of coffee.
Parkinson's Disease
In a study of 8004 men, increased consumption of coffee was found to be associated with a decreased risk of Parkinson's Disease. [JAMA, "Association of Coffee and Caffeine Intake With the Risk of Parkinson Disease" May 2000;283:2674-2679]
While other major studies have come to the same conclusion, there are special considerations for women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While both HRT and caffeine individually have been shown to have a protective effect against Parkinson's, women on HRT who drank more than five cups of coffee per day were more likely to develop PD than heavy coffee drinkers who did not use the hormone replacement [Neurology, March 11, 2003, "Caffeine, postmenopausal estrogen, and risk of Parkinson’s disease," 2003;60:790-795].
Type 2 Diabetes
There is a great deal of support that habitual coffee drinking substantially decreases the risk of Type 2 Diabetes [JAMA, "Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review. 294:97–104, 2005] In fact, another study showed protective results from coffee both with and without caffeine, lending to the theory that other components in coffee are at play [Diabetes Care, "Coffee, Caffeine, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes,"1 February 2006, Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 398-403].
Colorectal Cancer
Regular consumption of decaffeinated coffee has been associated with a reduced incidence of rectal cancer, [JNCI, "Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine Consumption and Incidence of Colon and Rectal Cancer," February 16, 2005, Vol. 97, No. 4, 282-292], while other studies suggest that drinking strong caffeinated coffee may offer protection against colon cancer. A cancer fighting component, methylpyridinium, is responsible for the protection and is found in higher concentrations in espresso-type coffees, [Am Chem Soc, "Highly Active Compound Found In Coffee May Prevent Colon Cancer." ScienceDaily 15 October 2003].
Other Health Benefits Associated with Coffee:
- Reduction of gallstones.
- Reduced migraine severity.
- Improved endurance in physical activity of long duration.
- Antioxidant effect.
- Relief for sufferers of asthma.
- Enhanced concentration.
Not everyone should stop by the local coffee shop or fire up the drip brewer. Pregnant women should consult their doctors as a recent study implicated caffeine intake with increased risk of miscarriage. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, "Maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage: A prospective cohort study," March 2008, 198(3):279e1-279e8].
Doctors are typically split on the issue with some saying intake of less than 300mg/day is safe. However, this latest study argues a connection of increased miscarriage with intake at less than 200mg/day (the amount in just one or two cups of brewed coffee) controlling for other pregnancy-related symptoms.
Special consideration should paid to decaffeinated coffee. Research has shown that decaf, and not caffeinated coffee, can increase LDL levels as shown in the Coffee and Lipoprotein Metabolism Study of 187 subjects.
Reasons to Avoid Coffee:
If you have any of the following conditions, it might be a good idea to put down the coffee cup. The acidity or caffeine content in coffee can contribute to the following:
- High anxiety or stress.
- Ulcers, stomach distress.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Irregular heart rate.
- Insomnia.
- Irritability.
- Hyperactivity.
Coffee is arguably one of the most significant sources of the antioxidants in the American diet and with research supporting the benefits, drinkers of caffeinated coffee can breathe easy. At your next check-up, bring up your coffee consumption with your doctor to discuss whether the benefits for you outweigh the risks.
The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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