Way back in the 80’s Doug and I started dating. As things started getting serious, we started figuring out things that each of us liked and didn’t like. Doug at one point learned of a few things that I did not like; beer, scotch, and coffee. He maintained that if our relationship was going to work, something had to change, lol. Soon after, I had gone out and had a coffee to be polite, yuck. But my mistake was not tasting the coffee, it was telling Doug because that was it, he began pouring me coffee and boom, I was hooked.
That was 30ish years ago and I still drink coffee. As a matter of fact, I have been accused of being addicted to it and I still remember my response…so? That was also a long time ago.
We have since become coffee snobs. At home, we make espresso as regular coffee. We have a coffee maker that grinds the beans, can add milk for cappuccino and lattes, but normally it’s a double shot Americano several times a day.
Oh, that is the best smell in the morning, fresh, hot coffee.
In today’s world, everyone wants to justify what they eat as healthy. So why not, let’s look at coffee, is it all that it is cracked up to be or should I start my 12 step recovery program now. Some of these claims are just that: “claims,” but most have been verified and validated. Having said all that, keep in mind, just with everything else, moderation is very important.
- Coffee can improve energy levels and make you smarter
- Coffee can help you burn fat
- Coffee may lower your risk of Type II Diabetes
- Caffeine may lower the risk of Parkinson's
- Coffee can fight depression and make you happier
- Coffee drinkers have less risk of heart disease.
- Coffee reduces colorectal cancer risk
- Two cups of coffee can cut post-workout muscle pain
Looks good for me now, because I really enjoy my coffee, but, this is just research that has been done because people have been drinking coffee so long, and ‘they’ finally decided to look into what we have all been drinking. When you decaffeinate coffee, some of the effects will definitely change. Some methods of decaffeination are actually really harmful.
Coffee by itself is what was studied in these studies when you add milk, cream, sugar, sweetener, and those flavors we have all gotten so used to, things will change a lot. As soon as you add anything, calories, for starters change.
Remember, just with any other food, it has its negative side effects when you consume too much. Some of the negatives that have been found are worse for some than others, but here are some.
- Drinking coffee can stimulate peristalsis. (laxative properties)
- Coffee drinkers may have difficulty getting enough minerals in their diet.
- Coffee can promote the release of the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
- Drinking coffee can also irritate the lining of the small intestine
- Coffee can contribute to Ulcers, IBS, and Acidity
So, to coffee or not to coffee is up to you. But at least you are a little more informed.
I never drink coffee at lunch. I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon. – Ronald Reagan
