Coffee Consumption

Do you still wonder if you should be cutting back on coffee? Research continues to find more reasons that say coffee may actually be healthy and a good thing, from the National Coffee Association.

Caffeine & Health

Independent research by scientists worldwide continues to link coffee to significant (and surprising) healthful properties.

Coffee has a naturally complex botanical profile, with at least 1,000 natural compounds in the bean (including caffeine) and another 300 created in the roasting process. Scientists have linked a number of them, including some strong antioxidants, with a host of physiological benefits.

Research has shown that moderate coffee consumption (or 3-5 cups daily) may be associated with many positive effects, including:

§  Liver disease prevention

§  Improved cognitive function in older adults

§  Sharper memory

§  Increased athletic endurance

§  Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

§  Longevity

Due to the increasing scientific evidence, coffee has earned a new – and improved – reputation. The latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines recently made an unprecedented recommendation for coffee as part of a healthy lifestyle. 

The Caffeine Buzz

Many of these potential benefits are associated with caffeine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in coffee beans. The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee can vary, depending on factors ranging from the type of bean to how it's brewed.

Caffeinated coffee affects individuals differently, based on heredity, body weight, gender, metabolism (there are “fast caffeine metabolizers” versus slow ones), and coffee drinking habits.

While coffee has come to be closely associated with caffeine, today consumers can choose from a variety of caffeinated and decaffeinated options.

Read: The Challenges of Measuring Caffeine Levels