I love coffee. I love the smell of coffee. I love the feeling of euphoria that overtakes me when the caffeine hits my system in the morning and my addiction is fed. I love the social aspects of coffee and having a third place for meetings and discussions.
Coffee has also had a bad rap over the past couple of decades. Apparently there was a body of research suggesting some cancer-causing effects of the roasted beans in the 60s. Since that time, however, researchers are coming to a different conclusion.
Like almost everything I read about nutrition and longevity, there seem to be no absolute conclusions and learned debate on just about every topic. I tend to look for long-term, widely-repeated trends and rely on a few sources for most of my decisions.
Occasionally those sources conflict, at which point I have to use common sense and my personal judgement. In the case of coffee, here are two perspectives:
This Life Extension Foundation news alert suggests that coffee may actually have several beneficial health effects. On the other hand, Dr. Fuhrman advises that caffeine is a drug and should be avoided, particularly by those who are trying to lose weight.
I’m continuing to have my 1-2 cups a day and not sweat it. I drink 1/2 gallon or more of green tea a day, so it continues to be my primary beverage.
I’d like to hear any other thoughts on the subject.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I also love coffee but hate its smell. i do not think that 1 cup a day is bad for your health. In some cases we are in need of it in order to make our blood pressure higher and wake up in the morning.
Scientist have already enacted that 1 or two cup of coffee do not hurt your heart. I was interested in this danger like you and was happy learning good news because I do not imagine my morning without a cup of coffee.
I love coffee in every way shape and form but I found it was giving me high blood pressure and also mood swings. Since changeing from coffee to tea I am a much happier vegemite and I have the occasional de caf coffee. I suppose coffee just isnt for everyone