Several years ago, health magazines warned of the pitfalls of caffeine consumption, claiming it ruins your skin and is bad for your health. Well, fast-forward several years and now the scientific community has reversed its stance altogether. So what's the verdict?
Once vilified for raising blood pressure and weakening bones, moderate caffeine consumption is now embraced as a weight-loss aid, memory booster and hedge against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Sea Change In Opinion
Over the years, scientific research has gradually chipped away at caffeine's alleged negative effects. For example, take the case of caffeine and cancer. Initial reports had cited a connection between caffeine and several kinds of cancer, including digestive and bladder. But now the consensus has shifted.
Experts now say there's no proof of any link between caffeine and any kind of cancer. Ditto for caffeine's connection to ulcers, cardiac arrhythmias, blood pressure and infertility. The issue of osteoporosis is still up in the air, but a recent study at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that bone strength isn't affected by caffeine consumption.
In addition, new research from the U.K. indicates that small amounts of coffee consumed throughout the day can boost alertness and improve performance on all kinds of tasks, including those that require hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
Moderate Intake May Be Beneficial
Some preliminary studies also suggest that moderate regular caffeine consumption may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. And interestingly, a new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that people who drink four to six cups of coffee a day have a 28% lower risk of developing this illness than those who drink less than two cups a day. Researchers arrived at those numbers by pooling the results of nine different studies from the U.S. and around the world.
Caffeine also contains more antioxidants than blueberries and broccoli and for many athletes, it boosts speed and endurance. But before you down cup after cup of coffee, keep in mind that as with anything, moderation is key. Too much coffee can raise your blood pressure, make you jittery and disrupt sleep.
So enjoy your cup of Joe in the morning guilt-free. Just don't overboard.
Samantha Chang is the executive editor of TheImproper.com, a lifestyle publication based in New York. Previously, Samantha was the associate editorial director at High Net Worth Inc. and assistant managing editor at Crain’s InvestmentNews.
A business and lifestyle journalist for 12 years, Samantha is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University Law School. She enjoys running, cycling and music.
» left by James P Krehbiel(1,391) James P Krehbiel (267 days 19 hours ago.)
Samantha,
As you indicate, the operative word is "don't go overboard." Recently, I have had some teen patlients who have OD'd on power drinks. They scared themselves with siezure-related symptoms and several ended up in the ER room. The phenomenon of "power drinks" would make for a good article. See what you can find out? Thanks for an informative, well-written article. Respond to this comment
» left by Samantha Chang(132) Samantha Chang (264 days ago.)
Hi James, it's interesting that you mention energy drinks, b/c I love those myself. I try to limit my intake to one can a day (or none). They are addictive, though. I'll look into the phenom of energy drink addiction and write something up soon. Thanks for the suggestion! --S. Respond to this comment
» left by Dorothea from NJ (267 days 13 hours ago.)
That's part of the problem: the medical community comes down hard on one side of an issue, and then, years later they backtrack. Can be frustrating for people like me who rely too much on these "experts." Nice piece. Respond to this comment
Was
this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or Question:
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
