The
media have so much to say about coffee these days. Is it safe? Maybe it is even
healthy? In general, the only question about coffee’s safety comes from its
caffeine content. It is considered safe for most adults to have 400mg of caffeine
per day. People with heart conditions or other medical conditions may have a
lower safe limit. Supplements that contain caffeine can pose a risk to some—with
high enough intake of those, there is risk of caffeine toxicity. In the day to day life of a coffee drinker,
it will take about 4 cups of coffee to reach the recommended daily limit.
Research
has actually shown a link between coffee intake and decreased risk of some
disease such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s
disease. Additionally, research has not been able to confirm a link between
coffee intake and increased risk for diseases. Still, there is not enough
evidence to encourage non-drinkers to start drinking.
What is
the bottom line? I would say that coffee is okay in moderation. Just watch out
for what comes with it…sugar, creamer, whole milk, and the flavor syrups. Once
those are added, coffee goes from being an okay option to a high-calorie,
high-sugar choice.
One of the lessons that I'm picking up from your blogs is that it is important to apply moderation to all of our eating habits.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am a serious coffee drinker, but I have such a mixture of information about the health risks and benefits of coffee from reading things over the years, that it is nice to read a clear, succinct guide to coffee-drinking. Thanks Brendel!
In general, even healthy foods have a limit to how much should be eaten. :)
DeleteIs there any problem with being majorly addicted to coffee? I'm very unhappy if I don't get my coffee fix in the morning!
ReplyDeleteBesides for the difficulties on days when you can't drink, there does not seem to be any harm in drinking 1-2 cups per day.
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