Is Coffee good for you?
A great number of studies have focused on the health benefits of drinking coffee. It’s common knowledge that late night coffee drinking can have a detrimental effect on sleep quality. You’re probably also already aware of the extra boost of energy that can be gained by drinking coffee as a stimulant.
So, is coffee good or bad for your health? Read on to find out how drinking coffee in moderation can be good for your health.
Improved short term memory is one of the first positive effects many people experience from drinking coffee. The natural caffeine found in coffee beans has been found to actually stimulate the frontal-lobe of your brain- the area responsible for improving short-term memory and attention. This is good news for college students or anyone who has trouble remembering a phone number!
According to research, students who drank moderate amounts of coffee also scored higher in tests than students who drank no coffee at all. Studies conducted in elderly patients (over 80 years old) have concluded that drinking coffee can improve cognitive memory function. Coffee has also been shown to have a direct link in the reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.
Another potential health benefit to keep in mind is the link between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Some studies show that the risk reduction is as much as 50% for people who drink 2 cups of coffee daily. One school of thought is that the caffeine in coffee causes a decrease in insulin sensitivity, although research shows that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may help lower the risk due to other constituent substances found in coffee.
At the other end of the spectrum, some people develop low blood sugar or hypoglycemia as a result. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are unpleasant, and often include heart palpitations, weakness and sweaty, clammy skin. Avoid drinking coffee completely if you have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia.
Studies indicate that women who drink too much coffee often suffer from anemia and an iron deficiency. You are unable to properly absorb the iron in your body if you drink too much coffee. Maintaining a proper iron balance is important for the human body. Not only is iron vital for carrying oxygen to the blood and lungs, it is critical for many enzyme reactions in the body. Iron also works to help control infections within the body. Iron deficiencies make it very hard for the body to function as it should. Continued iron deficiency can lead to anemia and constant fatigue.
In conclusion, it seems there may be some beneficial health effects of drinking a moderate amount of coffee. But, those people that are into drinking a lot of coffee should take note that there are bad health effects that could rise out of taking in too much caffeine. Moderation is the key to getting a healthy balance.
