The Great Coffee Debate

It's an ongoing argument in my house-- Tony says coffee is terrible for you and will end up being the death of me, I argue that coffee has many health benefits that far outweigh any negative impact. After our most recent discussion on the topic, I decided that I needed some published facts and research to back up my position, not only so I can present my side more effectively, but so I can know for sure that I am making an informed decision when it comes to my morning pick-me-up.




Since I drink an average of two tall tumblers (5-6 cups) a day of drip coffee, I am by no means an impartial judge. However, in the interest of discovering the facts, I will do the best I can to fairly and accurately portray both sides of what I find.




The first article on the subject was actually laying on my desk. Self magazine had published an article in their August issue on the benefits of coffee. Peppy fitness magazines aren't always the best source of information, but it appears that the author did more research than just scraping the surface. The article touches on the antioxidant properties of the coffee berry: Shade-grown beans may be more eco-friendly, but have less antioxidants, the roasting process both breaks down and creates antioxidants the longer they roast, meaning that a medium roast may be the best choice.




Long term benefits include a resistance to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases-- two of the scariest diseases that can come with old age in my opinion. Premenopausal women who drink 4 cups per day have a 38 percent reduction in their breast cancer risk (according to The Journal of Nutrition) and coffee's phytoestrogens and flavonids may prevent tumor growth. Gallstone sufferers take note: the Xanthine in caffeine may reduce the mucus and deposits that form gallstones. Finally, those who drink 3-4 cups a day are 30% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes by preventing insulin resistance. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of liver damage.




But that's not all! The antibacterial and antiadhesive powers may keep the bacteria in your saliva from eating away at the enamel on your teeth. Also, a cup a day may cut your oral cancer risk in half. Finally, caffeine ramps up your metabolism, so Self included a handy coffee clock to help you schedule your java breaks to maximize your metabolic rate.




Coffee has also been linked to increased dopamine levels. No wonder I feel amazing after that first sip in the morning. Don't bother with Zanax, just head to your local Starbucks.



If you read the fine print, however, you'll notice that a few points mention some not-so-reassuring aspects of coffee. One bullet point encourages readers to purchase Starbucks' Espresso Pods because the paper filters, "catch the heart-harming compounds." Wait, what? Which compounds? Another mention of the polyphenols in coffee says that they block absorption of iron from fortified grains and lowers your calcium uptake.




So what am I supposed to do when I'm 85, cancer free, but can't raise my arms for fear that my bones will crumble? Clearly the Self article left some questions unanswered.





According to an article from Harvard, one of the major risks is dependence on what they call "a mild addictive stimulant," which leads to excessive drinking. Excessive coffee intake can cause, "palpitations, insomnia, tremors, diarrhea and increased urination." I know I've got to pee quite a bit when I'm drinking it, but my guess is that if you reach the point of having tremors, you've got more than a coffee problem.



The same article also mentions that coffee drinkers tend to be smokers. I don't know how true that is, and there doesn't seem to be much behind that statement other than an opinion. Seeing as there is a coffee shop on just about every corner, that would mean that there are far more smokers than I'm used to seeing.



Each person should make their own informed decision, and of course talk to their doctor regarding the potential benefits and risks associated with coffee consumption, but after my research, I feel confident that coffee can continue to be something I look forward to in the morning. Now I just have to stop adding so much sugar to it...