Coffee Culture: Really that Bad?

Posted on July 15, 2009 in Consumer Goods, Health & Medicine, Holistic Remedies

Coffee is an ancient drink, prized for centuries for its enlivening effects and complicated structure. In these modern times, it has become for many the standard morning ritual that begins their days. The warm smell, robust flavor, and perky side effects give millions of Americans the boost they need to start their day.

However, coffee has also been criticized for its addictive qualities and held under scrutiny for the effects of caffeine, coffee’s most infamous natural agent. It is true that caffeine, especially more than a particular body can handle, can cause nervousness, jitters, and increased heart rate. It is after all a drug. Avoiding these unpleasant side effects is easy to do if you are aware of your body’s caffeine tolerance. Caffeine does also tend to engender tolerance followed by reliance on the drug. All of these aspects should be considered and not taken lightly.

However, many studies report that coffee does far more good than it does damage. For one thing, coffee is incredibly rich in antioxidants, which help fend off free radicals that damage the body’s cells. The roasting process unleashes many of these antioxidants, making them more potent.

Coffee’s natural laxative quality is also prized for promoting colon health. The risks of gallstones are thought to be a whopping 50% lower in people who regularly drink coffee. There are also some studies that claim coffee also reduces the risks of diabetes. The bitter drink also increases blood flow and mildly improves flexibility on the days it is consumed.

Coffee is not for everyone. However, those who enjoy it can rest easy knowing that, as long as they remain aware of their bodies and their habits, they are making a healthy choice.