OK, once and for all, is coffee good or bad for your health? The answer is – in short – it’s a little of both.
Too much coffee can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure, anxiety and upset stomach, in addition to its ability to become addictive. And don’t forget that added cream and sugar contribute to weight gain. For example (and you’re gonna hate it), a 24-ounce Starbuck’s venti double chocolate chip frappucino contains a whopping 520 calories!!!
Despite these drawbacks, moderate coffee consumption can actually have a positive effect; it can help to reduce your risk of many problems, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, liver cancer, gallstones, and Type II diabetes, to name a few. It can also lower the risk of stroke in women.
Research has shown there is no increased risk of heart disease or cancer from moderate coffee drinking. And a recent published study found that there was a 25% reduction in cases of endometrial cancer in women who drank four or more cups of coffee per day. Scientists believe that this is due partially to the cancer-fighting effect of coffee’s antioxidant phenols.
Even a few cups of coffee per day can cut men’s risk of developing prostate cancer by 30%, with those consuming six cups per day reducing their risk by a whopping 60%. Coffee also reduces your risk of developing basal cell carcinoma by up to 20%.
It is recommended that you get no more than 500-600 mg of caffeine per day, the equivalent of about six to eight cups of brewed coffee. Obviously, the amount of caffeine in a cup of espresso will be more than that.
The key thing to remember is to consume coffee in moderation. But all in all, the benefits of coffee far outweigh the risks, so grab a cafe grande and drink up!