Are you a
coffee addict to the point where you can consume up to four cups per day? Are
you worried that it may present bad effects on your health and well-being?
Well, worry no more! A review of hundreds of studies published between 2001 and
2015 on coffee health risk has found that consuming up to four cups of coffee
daily does not contribute to health problems. In fact, it brings good news to
moderate drinkers alike.
Some
studies even proved that daily consumption of coffee contributed to a decline
in possible cardiovascular mortality. Probably you also heard many times from
people around you that coffee is good for you, while others may claim it’s not.
Well, a lot has been said about the pros and cons of coffee intake on health
but let’s tackle the scientific approach here.
What Science Says About Coffee Health Risk
In that
scientific study mentioned above, scientists from the International Life
Sciences Institute generally looked into the effects of having more or less
than 400mg of caffeine daily for adults, or 300mg for pregnant women. This
study on coffee health risk found evidence that consumption of up to these
amounts of caffeine has no ill-effects on bone health, cardiovascular health,
and reproductive health. Health Canada, therefore, recommended a daily coffee
intake of up to 400mg for healthy adults and 300mg for those who are pregnant.
However, researchers identified associations of coffee consumption to anxiety,
high blood pressure, and headaches.
Noting the
various health benefits provided by coffee particularly on the reduction of
risks to heart attack and type II diabetes, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for
Americans committee stated that up to five cups of coffee per day (that’s
around 400 mg caffeine) can be integrated into our healthy diet. However, it
was emphasized that in order to maximize the health benefits of coffee, it
should be black coffee with no other additions to it like creamer or artificial
flavors. The committee also suggested that you should consider the drinkware in
order to remain within the recommended daily amount.
Meanwhile,
studies also found no correlation between drinking two cups of coffee or more
for pregnant women and the growth and development of their children. The
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advised that pregnant
woman may consume up to two cups (or 200 mg of caffeine) daily in order for
them to be safe, as well as their developing infants. However, the 2015 Dietary
Guidelines for Americans recommended that more research should be conducted on
this topic.
Are There Health Benefits In Drinking Four Cups Of Coffee A Day?
Actual
human studies found several coffee health benefits. A recent study showed that
consuming four or more cups of coffee daily could make you live longer. It was
also proven that coffee can help improve energy levels and make drinkers become
smarter due to the stimulating effect of caffeine. A 2013 study conducted by
Harvard University’s School of Public Health unveiled that those who consumed
two to three cups of coffee daily reduced their suicide risk by 45%.
Looking at
various study results would definitely want you to aim for more cups of coffee
than usual. In one study, it was concluded that those who consumed three to
five cups of coffee a day had a 65% reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Another study also proved that drinking more than four cups of coffee daily
resulted in a 20% lower risk of depression and 53% reduced risk for committing
suicide. In the “Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry,” a study
was published which found a link between the effects of caffeine’s
neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, and reduced risk of
developing multiple sclerosis.
What Are The Positive Effects Of Drinking Coffee?
You’ve
probably been drinking coffee for like half of your life. Why do you need the
company of coffee? Is it not to awaken your long been sleeping senses? Is it
not because you’re probably bored of what you’re reading but you need to stay
up because you have deadlines to meet or you have exams in school? Or you’re
just enjoying the taste of it?
Scientific
studies revealed several positive effects of drinking coffee. The U.S. National
Institutes of Health (NIH) has proven that drinking the significant amount of
coffee will enable you to have the lesser chance of developing Parkinson’s
disease by four to eight times. In another study conducted by the NIH National
Cancer Institute and AARP to 400,000 men and women between 50 to 71 years old,
it was found out that regular coffee drinkers had a lower risk of overall death
compared to those who don’t drink. The “Journal of the National Cancer
Institute” also mentioned that coffee may protect against melanoma with each
cup consumed.
Additionally,
caffeine has been found to increase adrenaline levels and release fatty acids
from fat tissue, leading to substantial improvements in physical performance. A
number of studies also supported the fact that those who regularly drink coffee
have a significantly reduced risk of getting type II diabetes. Several studies
also showed that coffee can aid in burning fat by as much as 10% in obese
individuals and almost 30% in lean ones. Considering these tremendous positive
effects of coffee on health and well-being, would you not give it a chance to
be part of your daily routine?
Why Coffee Is Good For Us
Coffee
tastes great. But does it bring goodness to people? There are countless reasons
why coffee is good for our health. A review of several studies made by the
University of California on the correlation between coffee consumption and
cancer showed that drinking coffee provides protection against several cancer
types including endometrial cancer, colon cancer, and liver cancer. Also,
results of a 2009 study of older American women indicated that those who drank
more than one cup of caffeinated coffee a day have a lesser risk of stroke by
20 to 25%. The nutrients found in coffee, which include riboflavin, pantothenic
acid, and potassium, are also deemed beneficial for the human body.
More
studies have revealed that drinking two to four cups of coffee could lessen
post-workout muscle pain by a whopping 48%. An excerpt from the “Journal of
Agricultural and Food Chemistry” stated that a cup of brewed coffee contributes
to up to 1.8 grams of fiber out of the recommended consumption of 20-38 grams.
Another research published in the “European Journal of Nutrition” reported that
coffee drinkers have stronger DNA compared to those who are not. A Cornell
University study proved that coffee may help prevent retinal damage resulting
from oxidative stress. Brazilian researchers also found that strong black
coffee kills bacteria present on teeth which could cause tooth decay, but only
when milk and sugar are not added to it.
On a
different note, antioxidants in coffee are said to have contributed to health
promotion. It is believed that the usual coffee serving has more antioxidants
compared to typical servings of fruit juices like blueberries, raspberries,
grapes, and oranges. These antioxidants are said to prevent inflammation and
reduce the risk of disorders associated with it. However, it is reiterated that
coffee should be taken without having additives like creamer and flavorings to
it.
The Basic Results of Drinking Four Cups of Coffee Daily
Researchers
were able to determine that consumption of up to four cups of coffee has no
effect on fertility, nor is it linked to increased risk of miscarriage,
stillbirth, and birth defects. Further, daily intake of caffeine was found to
have no influence on anger, anxiety or depression. Results of the study
conducted by Italian researchers suggested that drinking three cups of coffee a
day reduced the risk of developing cancer by more than 50%. In a different
study by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Schoo
of Public Health, they concluded that people who consumed four European cups a
day had a lower risk of heart failure by 11% compared to those who did not.
More and more studies could really prove that coffee consumption significantly
reduced many diseases, with the biggest effects observed at around four to five
cups daily.
Despite
all these facts and study results concerning the relationship between coffee
drinking and health, it has not been established really what causes these
health benefits. Some researchers believed it could be the thought that coffee
drinkers are more socially active compared to those who are not. Others guessed
that it could be the bioactive compounds found in coffee that boost human
health. Some others believed that coffee health risk is aggravated if your
black coffee is mixed with calorie-filled creams, sugars, and artificial
flavors. How it’s brewed also has health effects, according to some experts in
the aspect of coffee drinking. Whether you love coffee or not, you can never
deny the truth that coffee has the great impact on drinkers. Coffee can have a
significant impact on your diet, so enjoy every cup of it.








