Coffee is a common breakfast accompaniment enjoyed by people from all walks of life. It has a longstanding history spanning back to the 13th century, when it was first seen in Ethiopia, according to Mark Pendergrast in the book "Uncommon Grounds." Coffee is available in a wide variety of flavors and strengths, and it provides several health benefits. However, risks are associated with coffee consumption as well.
Reduces Disease Risk
Regularly drinking coffee may reduce your risk of several diseases, which include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, according to a 2006 study conducted by Dr. Arthur Klatsky and colleagues, entitled "Coffee, Cirrhosis and Transaminase Enzymes" published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine." The reason why coffee proves beneficial in disease prevention is unknown, but it has little to do with the caffeine content, as the benefits are usually more significant for those who consume decaffeinated varieties, particularly those with type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease, according to the book "Integrating Therapeutic and Complementary Nutrition."
Provides Antioxidant Protection
Coffee has a variety of antioxidants called polyphenols in addition to flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, benzoic acid and lignans, according to Astrid Nehlig in the book "Coffee, Tea, Chocolate and the Brain." Antioxidants help to safeguard your body against cellular damage incurred from free radicals. Coffee contains a high percentage of caffeic acid, which helps to protect endothelial cells in your brain and throughout your body.
Inhibits Iron Absorption
Pregnant women or women who are nursing should not drink coffee, as this may result in iron deficiency anemia in both the mother and infant, according to Robert Earl and colleagues in the book "Iron Deficiency Anemia." This is due to coffee's inhibiting effect on the absorption of iron.
Liver Damage in the Elderly
Elderly people who have improper liver function may suffer complications if they drink coffee. This is because coffee requires enzymes and metabolites to break down properly. The elderly are more at risk of liver damage due to their age and the degenerative nature of the liver over time, according to Ronald Watson in his book "Alcohol and Coffee Use in Aging."
References
- "Uncommon Grounds"; Mark Pendergrast; 2000
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Coffee, Cirrhosis and Transaminase Enzymes; Arthur Klatsky, M.D., et al.; June 2006
- "Integrating Therapeutic and Complementary Nutrition"; Mary Marian et al.; 2007
- "Coffee, Tea, Chocolate and the Brain"; Astrid Nehlig; 2004
- "Iron Deficiency Anemia"; Robert Earl et al.; 1993
- "Alcohol and Coffee Use in Aging"; Ronald Watson; 2000
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