Is Coffee Good or Bad For You? The Pros & Cons of Coffee Drinking

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By KatieB


Do you like coffee? I do, it's taste and aroma make my mornings so much better! But I heard that regular coffee drinking can have some negative effects on my health, so I decided to do my own little research and here is what I have found:

Coffee Pros

  • 1. Antioxidants. Coffee is rich in antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and melanoidins. Antioxidants help prevent oxidation, a process that causes damage to cells and contributes to aging.
  • 2. Parkinson's disease. Regular coffee drinking reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease. A number of studies [1],[2] have demonstrated that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are significantly less likely to develop Parkinson's disease.
  • 3. Diabetes. Coffee drinking has the potential to protect against the development of type 2 diabetes. A prospective study[3] as part of the US Nurses Health Study found that moderate consumption of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in younger and middle aged women.
  • 4. Liver cirrhosis. Coffee drinking may protect against liver cirrhosis, especially alcoholic cirrhosis.
  • 5. Gallstones. There is some evidence [4] that coffee drinking may be protective against gallstone formation in both men and women.
  • 6. Kidney stones. Coffee consumption lowers the risk of kidney stones formation. Coffee increases the urine volume, preventing the crystallization of calcium oxalate, the most common component of kidney stones.
  • 7. Improved mental performance. Caffeine in coffee is a well-known stimulant. Coffee promotes alertness, attention and wakefulness. The cup of coffee can also increase information processing.
  • 8. Alzheimer's disease. Regular coffee drinking may help to protect against Alzheimer's disease. Recent study [5] in mice showed that caffeine equivalent to 5 cups of coffee per day reduced the build up of destructive plaques in the brain.
  • 9. Asthma. Caffeine in coffee is related to theophylline, an old asthma medication. Caffeine can open airways and improve asthma symptoms.
  • 10. Caffeine safety. In 1958, caffeine was placed on the Food and Drug Administration's list as generally recognized as safe.

Coffee Cons

  • 1. Heart disease. This is somewhat controversial. Most prospective cohort studies haven't found that coffee consumption is associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

    On one hand, diterpenes cafestol and kahweol present in unfiltered coffee and caffeine each appear to increase risk of coronary heart disease. High quality studies [6] have confirmed the cholesterol-raising effect of diterpenes. Also, coffee consumption is associated with an increase of plasma homocysteine, a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

    On the other hand, a lower risk of heart disease among moderate coffee drinkers might be due to antioxidants found in coffee.

  • 2. Cholesterol. Heavy consumption of boiled coffee elevates blood total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels [7]. Unfiltered coffee contains two cholesterol-raising compounds cafestol and kahweol.
  • 3. Blood vessels. Coffee negatively affects the blood vessel tone and function.
  • 4. Heart rhythm disturbances. Coffee can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias).
  • 5. Blood pressure. Although coffee drinking is not a significant risk factor for hypertension, it produces unfavorable effects on blood pressure [8] and people prone to hypertension may be more susceptible. Recent Italian study found that coffee drinking can slightly increase the risk for development of sustained hypertension in people with elevated blood pressure.
  • 6. Osteoporosis. Coffee intake may induce an extra urinary excretion of calcium. Heavy coffee consumption (600 ml or more) can modestly increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in women with a low calcium intake [9].
  • 7. Heartburn. A cup of coffee can trigger the heartburn.
  • 8. Sleep. Most are aware of the stimulatory effects of caffeine. High amounts of caffeine taken before going to sleep can cause difficulty falling asleep, tendency to be awakened more readily by sudden noises, and a decreased quality of sleep. However, some people can drink coffee and fall right asleep.
  • 9. Dehydration. The caffeine in coffee is a mild diuretic and can increase urine excretion. This effect may be easily neutralized by drinking an extra glass of water.
  • 10. Dependence. Although "generally recognized as safe" by the FDA, caffeine is still a drug, a mild central nervous system stimulant, and it produces dependence. Caffeine withdrawal is a real syndrome. You may get a few days of headache and irritability if you choose to quit drinking coffee, however, it is relatively easy to break this habit, and most people are not addicted to caffeine.

And here is the list of studies to confirm some points:

1. Saaksjarvi K, Knekt P, Rissanen H, Laaksonen MA, Reunanen A, Mannisto S. Prospective study of coffee consumption and risk of Parkinson's disease. PubMed

2. Hu G, Bidel S, Jousilahti P, Antikainen R, Tuomilehto J. Coffee and tea consumption and the risk of Parkinson's disease. PubMed

3. van Dam RM, Willett WC, Manson JE, Hu FB. Coffee, caffeine, and risk of type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study in younger and middle-aged U.S. women. Diabetes Care. PubMed

4. Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Spiegelman D, Colditz GA, Giovannucci EL. Coffee intake is associated with lower risk of symptomatic gallstone disease in women. Gastroenterology. PubMed

5. Arendash GW, Schleif W, Rezai-Zadeh K, Jackson EK, Zacharia LC, Cracchiolo JR, Shippy D, Tan J. Caffeine protects Alzheimer's mice against cognitive impairment and reduces brain beta-amyloid production. Neuroscience. PubMed

6. Urgert R, Essed N, van der Weg G, Kosmeijer-Schuil TG, Katan MB. Separate effects of the coffee diterpenes cafestol and kahweol on serum lipids and liver aminotransferases. PubMed

7. Urgert R, Weusten-van der Wouw MP, Hovenier R, Lund-Larsen PG, Katan MB. Chronic consumers of boiled coffee have elevated serum levels of lipoprotein(a). PubMed

8. Winkelmayer WC, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Curhan GC. Habitual caffeine intake and the risk of hypertension in women. PubMed

9. Hallstrom H, Wolk A, Glynn A, Michaelsson K. Coffee, tea and caffeine consumption in relation to osteoporotic fracture risk in a cohort of Swedish women. PubMed

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jonixk profile image

jonixk  says:
15 months ago

Great article katie. I'm a coffee drinker myself, 2-3 coffees a day. I didn't khow that coffee could prevent so many diseases.

twirlylou profile image

twirlylou  says:
15 months ago

Katie, I am also a great coffe drinker - a pot in the morning. Leaving the afternoon and evening coffee free seems to help me sleep at night. The article is very informative.

Rob Jundt profile image

Rob Jundt  says:
15 months ago

I'm taking all the pros and forgetting all the cons. Java is essential to my early morning routine.

A quick tip: If you haven't invested in a coffee grinder, do so. Grinding the beans just prior to brewing makes a huge difference in taste; for the better of course.

Gems4friends  says:
15 months ago

I Agree with Rob. The psychological benefits of well made coffee out-weigh a lot of risk factors. And he's right about the grinder. We also use an espresso maker, so our morning coffee is a home-made latte with a double shot of expresso. Much better than that boiled hot dark liquid! :)

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
15 months ago

I love that list of Pros! I am a coffee addict. Moderation is the key (that I don't have). :)

lemmyC profile image

lemmyC  says:
15 months ago

Good piece of article. What's your conclusion? Does the benefit outway the negative effects? I think it would have been a good feed back. What do you think?

Let's look at the evaluation of coffee drinking this way. What is the Plus, Minus and Interesting things about coffee drinking.

Let the debate go on! I' loving ---it.

Well done!

Good piece of work.

sgjerome profile image

sgjerome  says:
15 months ago

Some people drink coffee because they add alot of sugar. This will increase the chance of getting diebetic

I love coffee and I drink with no sugar

craigan profile image

craigan  says:
15 months ago

I really think the pros of drinking coffee far far outweigh the cons. I always say, anyting in moderation is fine! Just don't have TOO much coffee and the benefits for you are tremendous!

seohowto profile image

seohowto  says:
15 months ago

I like coffe SO MUCH that I would forget about all cons. I was drinking a cup of coffee every morning for the past 15 years, but have recently switch to decaff. I have noticed some of the cons that you listed here and I decided that it is a good time to stop getting coffeine. Feel better now, but still love true coffee.

blackjava profile image

blackjava  says:
15 months ago

Great information. Like every thing, moderation is the key. Drink 2 or 3 cups over the course of a day and you'll live to be a ripe old age. Guzzle down 6 or 8 cups and you could be doing your self some harm.

I love a good cup of java.

rsrring  says:
15 months ago

The benefits sound great! I love my morning cup of joe. I didn't know about the cholesterol thing... maybe that explains why mine is so high!

Matt Maresca profile image

Matt Maresca  says:
15 months ago

It's weird. I actually don't drink coffee, but I'd say about 95% of the people I know do. That being said, I like things that give me a little pick-me-up, so I would'nt be surprised if I become president of the Coffee Drinkers of America Association within the next few months. As a "fitness guy", I don't think a cup or two a day is a bad thing, just as long as you drink plenty of water. Nice information.

ArtCantHurtU profile image

ArtCantHurtU  says:
15 months ago

Great post- coffe drinkers are sure to sit up and take notice! I think overall coffe is very benefitial, it is largely the sugar and ( or sugar substitues) and cream that make it less healthy. In moderation coffee has been proven to help physical exercise and concentration.

Personally, too much makes me irritable.(no one wants to be around that!)

I like organic, fair trade coffee because I know there are no perservatives and chemicals added to the beans. This is important to me becasue I am grinding up the bean and then soaking it in boiling water - this is also how you'd extract chemicals form something. So why risk it.

A friend of mine turned me on to a great organic coffee that has reishi mushrooms in it. The infuse the beans with cordyceps and ganoderma ( performance and immune enhancing herbs) You can't taste anything but really really good coffee, and it is a much nicer way to boost my immune system every day!Normally I drink about 2 1/2 mugs a day.

After that I switch to water. Oh yeah, the coffee is called Nutricafe, http://www.enerfood.com - you can get it online and it is very reasonable , plus it tastes good < the most important thing!

Great topic!

newcapo profile image

newcapo  says:
15 months ago

Wow...the Pro's definitely outweight the con's (unless a person has a current cardiac condition)....That's a good thing because I've got to have my coffee. That's a good idea about matching a glass of water for every cup of coffee.

dlhoh  says:
15 months ago

thanks for the info. I love coffee and have read few articles about coffee, but your article is a great summary of the pertinent points. Thanks again!

KatieB profile image

KatieB  says:
15 months ago

The most serious health risks of coffee are related to it's caffeine content. So, moderation is a key.

Gadzooks profile image

Gadzooks  says:
15 months ago

Wow you have really done your hoemwork with this. The problem I have with all this info, is that its just overwhelming. I mean that level of detail is probably available on almost everything we eat / drink, and whether things are good or bad for you seems to change so frequently (in terms of latest medical advice).

I really cannot take all this in... so I just drink cofee cos I like it, and dont worry too much about the stats...

Great hub page though!

myi4u  says:
15 months ago

I like to drink coffee but I limit myself to drink only once a day. And each time, I don't drink a full cup of coffee. I believe that if you don't eat or drink excessively, things should be fine.

Every food and drink will have their pros and cons depending on how they are managed and consumed.

stephhicks68 profile image

stephhicks68  says:
15 months ago

Good thing I drink coffee! :-)

vilynn  says:
15 months ago

Katie - Thank you for the thorogh research and for sharing it with us.

It took time and effort and is much appreciated by this coffee fan.

For those ofyou who love coffee and have not embarked on the adventure of grindingyour own beans-there is a whole new wonderful experience awaiting you. Starbucks, etc. have nothing on home brewed coffee from your own fresh coffee beans. And there are many, many wonderful flavors to be had!

Have a joyful, jazzy, java day!.... vilynn

Become your HERO!  says:
15 months ago

Organically grown fair trade coffee in moderation ( even instant coffee ) can form a great part of your day.

Coffeepot Conversation

Alan

raymondphilippe profile image

raymondphilippe  says:
15 months ago

I wouldn't like to miss my daily coffee. Regardless of the benefits or dangers. This is a coffee junky speaking ;-)

MrMarmalade profile image

MrMarmalade  says:
15 months ago

Katie,

Val and I Owned a coffee lounge at 24 years of age, Survived 50 years of marriage. Today by 8.00 am I have had three large mugs of coffee. By 10 PM tonight I will have drunk at least five more, that is normal.

Some comments to your points: -

Parkinsons agree

Gallstones - Had 10 weeks in hospital with three operations ( Horror time) 99 gallstones blamed, mostly on coffee intake.

Liver - 2 of the 3 operations were for ulcers on the liver caused as a result Cholestcystectomy

Kidney stones Agree
Improved mental performance Val disagrees
Alzheimer's disease. I am getting worried
Asthma agree
Cholesterol Became very high. Changed diet and exercised Lost the Cholesterol
Perfect blood pressure.
I like your hub and have become a fan
Don't give up your coffee.
In the papper yesterday a Radio personality was drinking 13 cups of Coffee and 8 litres of Coca Cola Per day. That sounds a little extreme.
Great effort on your hub

jezzbb profile image

jezzbb  says:
15 months ago

It's ok of drank in moderation. Some suggest to drink no more than 3 cups and day. Too much caffeine intake can fatigue your adrenal glands over time. I've also read not to drink coffee after 2 pm to get a quality sleep at night.

desert blondie profile image

desert blondie  says:
15 months ago

Enjoyed seeing the antioxidant qualities of coffee. My doctor says that until one drinks 10 eight ounce cups each and every day, there are no actual physical harms...unless you personally notice that drinking the caffeine later in the day causes you "wakefulness" at night that hinders your sleep. I personally can't imagine drinking the equivalent of 10 eight ounce cups of coffee each day!! Though I guess there are these folks now that things like Red Bull exists. Nice post!

Preston Sage profile image

Preston Sage  says:
15 months ago



Your hub on the pros and cons of coffee was interesting, but even though you didn’t come right out and make any conclusions on the info, your pro-coffee bias was there. From the other comments it apparently made the majority, who are coffee lovers, happy. That’s all right if you feel that way.

I just think you’re better off without it coffee, especially the caffeinated variety. I’ve been caffeine-free for a while and I feel so much better now that I don’t have those highs and lows and need my morning fix to get going.

Studies are like scriptures, you can find one to say just about anything you want. Really though, to quote a 1958 statement from the FDA saying caffeine was safe? Didn’t they say eating tons of eggs and drinking whole milk was good for you then too? Cigarettes weren’t even bad.

There were a lot of “may be’s” and “can be’s” in the pros you mention too. I just think there are better ways to get antioxidants, prevent diabetes, protect your liver and so on than by drinking coffee. There are still some that think it is toxic, caffeinated or decaffeinated, best avoided. I don’t know about that either, but I don’t set much store on studies proved today and disproved tomorrow. It really is hard to know what is good for you or not.

Really, I’m not trying to stir up any controversy or hate. I appreciate your hub. There are a lot worse things than drinking coffee. So, if you enjoy it, go ahead and if you don’t drink it, that is fine too.





icepricessa profile image

icepricessa  says:
15 months ago

informative and interesting, i'm not really a coffee person... lol but its nice to know

privateye2500 profile image

privateye2500  says:
15 months ago

Coffee is my life! :}

marisuewrites profile image

marisuewrites  says:
15 months ago

herb teas might be an interesting hub, you want me to request one from you...? Marisue

grumpyjacksa profile image

grumpyjacksa  says:
15 months ago

Somehow it just clears up the mind . Or should I say : It perks you right up .........

Unless you drink it like my niece - she's a night shift nurse , and she takes two coffee and seven sugar to a cup . ( yes , seven sugar - she only fills the cup half with coffee to leave space for all the sugar - and she's a nurse.......)

Mary K Weinhagen profile image

Mary K Weinhagen  says:
15 months ago

Fun hub! I love my coffee so I guess I'll focus on the PROS!

Thanks for the balanced lists though. It is appreciated!

~~Mary K

Kay Kerns profile image

Kay Kerns  says:
15 months ago

Wow! This was a very interesting topic! You wowed me with about every fact on here, that is so crazy! I did not know that coffee could possibly raise your cholestrol! Good, informative hub!

trish1048 profile image

trish1048  says:
15 months ago

Hi,

Coffee is my drink of choice. I drink it pretty much 24/7. I do also drink milk and water upon occasion. My cholesterol level is low, as is my blood pressure. I do not drink decaffeinated, ughhhh,,,,,and I have absolutely no trouble sleeping, although for a period of time I did, but it was from some other cause. I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, anytime, anywhere, my late hubby used to say I could fall asleep on a rock. And no, I do not have narcolepsy lol,,,,

I have forgotten that I have a coffee grinder, so I'm going to go dust it off now and make some coffee,,

thanks for the hub,,

Patty

tjmum profile image

tjmum  says:
15 months ago

Unfortunately I cannot have coffee as I have IBS and caffeine is a definite antagonist. I have herb or redbush tea which has no caffeine. Still, it just goes to prove that the 'experts' really don't know what they're talking about as we've been warned off coffee for so long. Great Hub

MasonsMom profile image

MasonsMom  says:
15 months ago

Great info here! I Love coffee!

Hope Wilbanks profile image

Hope Wilbanks  says:
15 months ago

Terrific info! And very interesting since I'm a coffee drinker myself. :)

rudevils profile image

rudevils  says:
15 months ago

coffee is nice especially when the wetaher is cold, it gives you extra spirit n stamina

blackjava profile image

blackjava  says:
15 months ago

Great information. I love good coffee. I have been drinking coffee for about 50 years. I have probaly read all the literature regarding the benefits or lack of, of coffee.

If you drink coffee in moderation ( say 2 or 3 cups over the day) Then the benefits far out weigh the so called negative. As with anything, moderation is key.
Considering that about 80 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the world every year, I find it hard to belive that there is much health risk. Generally speaking, the amount of caffeine we consume in North America is minor compared to a lot of European and Middle East countries.

Have you ever had Turkish coffee or Greek coffee? How about espresso. Italy and France have a culture of drinking many cups of espresso in a day.

Like a lot of studies done years ago, most are inaccurate and out of date. Newer science and information has a habit of reversing old opinions.

So, in my opinion, if your biggest worry in life is how much coffee you should consume, you're a lucky person :)

TheMorellGroup profile image

TheMorellGroup  says:
15 months ago

I am an avid coffee drinker. Awesome Hub with pros and cons!

tinyteddy profile image

tinyteddy  says:
15 months ago

hi

it is a nice hub but i beg to differ from you that coffee has antioxindats and prevents type 2 diabetes.in fact it is the other way around as reported in our medical litterature. just one study may not be substantiate evidence.

Lisa K profile image

Lisa K  says:
15 months ago

Hi, great hub and its the only place I have read about coffee & asthma, I always have a coffee if I am feeling an asthma attack come on or after one and it´s something I have done as its what i´ve wanted to do, not becuase its something I have been told about or read about, so its great to know that the coffee is a benefit and now maybe people won´t think i´m mad !!

NightSquid profile image

NightSquid  says:
15 months ago

Hi KatieBI was viewing this hubPage and I noticed it didn't have very many graphics, so I made some.  check them out at http://hubpages.com/hub/Free-clipart-for-hubpages they're free to use I hope you find them useful Cheers NightSquid

Shane  says:
15 months ago

damn. i drink like sixteen cups a day. i am going to die

Zaya  says:
15 months ago

Thanks for research. I have been enjoyning having coffee since I moved to the US without knowing about bad or good. I just fall in love with coffee.

In our culture, people say that there are two white poison of health: Sugar and Salt.

I beleive it. So I just drink coffee without sugar.

Acorn Valley profile image

Acorn Valley  says:
15 months ago

I couldn't move in the morning without coffee. I can drink it all day long with no effect on my sleeping (I'm chasing a 1 yr. old and a 4 yr. old all day in addition to running a home-based business) so I sleep like a rock. I'll admit though that the addiction factor is huge, I cut back significantly during pregnancy and the withdrawal headaches were unbelievable. I was one really cranky hormonal mess until the withdrawal was over. Now I'm just my overcaffeinated bitchy self again.

VLukrich profile image

VLukrich  says:
15 months ago

Boy did you hit a subject! I didn't start drinking coffee until I was 33! Now I do love the jump start in the morning but can I not have it and still feel good and ready for my day? The answer is not until last year I actually found a product to put into my water that lets me keep the even keeled energy and well being feeling that helps me without coffee. But do I still drink it... yes I'm just a latte girl and don't mind saying so! Stay Happy! Vicki

Ms. Fit profile image

Ms. Fit  says:
15 months ago

Coffee! Can’t live with it and can’t live without it. Besides being addictive, it creates a vicious circle. You crash; you need another coffee because you feel so exhausted. An excessive amount of Coffee is great for causing Adrenal Fatigue. Still, there is nothing like a fresh, hot, cup of coffee in the morning. :)

salespagetactic profile image

salespagetactic  says:
15 months ago

I don't drink coffee at night anymore... I can never get to sleep ever! LOL

Great hub, thanks for all of the information

Jenevieve profile image

Jenevieve  says:
15 months ago

I am a fan of coffee, but I quit during my pregnancy--its not so good to have more than 1 small cup a day when your pregnant. But now--nothing gets in the way of that huge 22oz cup of Java--I'm addicted! Great Post!!! Jenevieve

solarshingles profile image

solarshingles  says:
15 months ago

I love coffee! I don't really care about medical info, because they are changing their discoveries every few years.

I trust to my personal feelings, wonderful smell and delicious taste of coffee...

robie2 profile image

robie2  says:
15 months ago

I absolutely cannot function in the morning till I've had a cup of coffee and wouldn't dream of giving it up--tried once and had the headache from hell for two days. Never again! well written, and supremely useful info. and the documentation of sources knocks my socks off. Thumbs UP!

Vera  says:
15 months ago

How old should you be to start drinking coffee?

naturally profile image

naturally  says:
15 months ago

great hub, full of information

ianc13 profile image

ianc13  says:
15 months ago

I drink coffee regulary and enjoy it totally, only thing is, I cannot stand perked coffee and only drink instant. Are the pros and cons universal or is instant different in some way?

Great Hub!

tanyawatson  says:
15 months ago

I didn't know there were so many "pros" to coffee. I personally don't like it black and have to drink at least 1 cup every day. Thanks for the article!

ssssppppmmmm  says:
14 months ago

I don't think the pros outweigh the cons..... "It wakes me up in the morning, but hardens my arteries and may give me a heart attack -lol"... I personally feel like I can't function in the morning without my coffee, but addiction is no excuse. I'm going to slowly cut back, I've tried before, and get a headache if I don't drink some. But I think it's healthier not to drink it daily.....

Kat07 profile image

Kat07  says:
14 months ago

Very interesting - comparing the lists, I can't decide which is worse! I guess it just comes down to personal preference after that! Great hub, tons of interesting info!!!

best of the web profile image

best of the web  says:
14 months ago

Good one.

Thanks for sharing

rumelphones profile image

rumelphones  says:
14 months ago

Great hub, i'm studying neuroscience and I have an exam soon on psychopharmacology and the psychology of addiciton. Coffee is in my exams and I've found this really helpful that you have linked to Pubmed.

Thanks

Anne  says:
14 months ago

I used to have to take at least two cups of coffeee in the morning to get me awake. However I am not taking ti anymore....it makes me gittery after taking this supplement in the morning. I feel really awake and alive :0)

Uninvited Writer profile image

Uninvited Writer  says:
14 months ago

Great hub. I am trying to cut down on my coffee but I need to have coffee in the morning. I have it with skim milk and no sugar.

Annette Rozen profile image

Annette Rozen  says:
13 months ago

I write all my hubs while drinking coffee. Great to know all the pros and cons of what im ingesting!

Constant Walker profile image

Constant Walker  says:
13 months ago

I drink one cup of really strong, beans painstakingly mixed, powder-ground and pressed coffee with cardamom spice, half & half and mocha-marshmallow creamer every morning. It's one of life's little luxuries and I love it! Nothing that good and that enjoyable can ever be bad.

Great hub. Relish that morning coffee...

hopefully profile image

hopefully  says:
13 months ago

I enjoy my coffee like the rest. Two things... 1st I understand if you drink coffee it helps fat burning! So go for your walk and then have a coffee with friends - perfect!

Second, wonder if the properties of coffee are diminished when you put Cow's milk in it, like the study they did with tea in the UK showed?? Apparently, the milk binds with all the stuff that is good for you in tea - wonder if it is the same with coffee? Just some thoughts to stimulate more discussion....

In the meantime, catch me out walking and then at my fave coffee stop!

Mommy Fabulous profile image

Mommy Fabulous  says:
13 months ago

I guess just like anything else, there is a good and bad side. Everyone has to weigh the risks and benefits for themselves. Personally, I like coffee too much to stop drinking it. The only thing that would possible make me reconsider that would be the caffeine addiction - I don't like the headaches..

Great hub, thanks for the info!

joseph h profile image

joseph h  says:
13 months ago

hey hopefully does it really help lose weight?

its good to drink

i got tolld not to drink it if ur looking to lose weight but thanks for that

good hub

hopefully profile image

hopefully  says:
13 months ago

Don't know if it is true, but some of the fat burning books I have read suggest that it raises your metabolism - which leads to higher fat burning - which is logical. Theory of exercising and then having coffee is that you get to the fat burning state in the exercise and the coffee prolongs it. I'm no scientist, but it makes sense to me.... Having said that, when I do exercise I have a short black, then at least I am not putting calories and fat back in my system with the milk! Look, I'll try anything! And I don't need much excuse to drink a good coffee!

compu-smart profile image

compu-smart  says:
13 months ago

I am glad i stopped by to read this article and all the comments which have helped answer a few questions that were always pondering and niggling in the back of my mind about drinking coffee!!

Thanks 4 sharing,

Amy_Roberts  says:
13 months ago

Really interesting and informative hub! Thanks for the info - i've realised I need to cut back! lol.

mulder profile image

mulder  says:
13 months ago

My wife drinks Coffee Im a Rooibos or green tea fan great hub thanks

fianita profile image

fianita  says:
13 months ago

I'm coffee maniac. I only want to read the pro part. Thanks :-)

Bonnie Ramsey profile image

Bonnie Ramsey  says:
13 months ago

I agree with taking the "pro" side! A day without coffee is like lungs with no air! I just wouldn't function! I am also one of those who will get a headache without it! Great hub!

Bonnie

tlap profile image

tlap  says:
13 months ago

I love coffee! But have recently switched to 'Lite' to cut down on the caffeine.

micamyx` profile image

micamyx`  says:
13 months ago

I love coffee and coke so much and yes, i actually have a plan to go to a heart doctor one of these days due to palpitations and heartburn. My back hurts too :(

pompeii pamaran  says:
13 months ago

Im going to have a heart attack...the coffee killed me.

Taryn Elizabeth profile image

Taryn Elizabeth  says:
12 months ago

Type-2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease prevention?? Really?! 0.0

Wow. I never knew.

MummyAnn profile image

MummyAnn  says:
12 months ago

Brilliant article. Why does the media give coffee such a bad name when there is a lot going for it?? I was shocked about the adverse effect on Osteoporosis, I used to drink about 2 pots of black coffee a day and I now have Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis, maybe the coffee didn't help!? Guess I'll never know.

gss profile image

gss  says:
12 months ago

This is a great article. I love coffee and would never want to stop drinking it. I don't drink it in excess but must have it first thing every morning. Thanks!

Aya Katz profile image

Aya Katz  says:
12 months ago

Great article! Caffeine, when consumed in moderation, and without sugar or cream, has a lot to recommend it.

petexanh profile image

petexanh  says:
11 months ago

good well researched . I cant cite the article but I read in one issue of Men's Health that Con 9 isnt too much of an issue. The amount of water in a coffee is generally more than the amount of water lost resulting from that dieuretic effect of caffeine.

MIRAI  says:
9 months ago

too much "in denial" here, which is the trap drug addicts or poor dietary people fall into. if you got off a meat diet and started eating healthily all those "pros" above wouldn't come into question. Coffee is unnatural substance for the human body. Acidic addictive caffiene! But keep fooling yourself if you want to. The same goes for nicotine, alcohol and psychotropic drugs. In fact most of the garbage medical drug industry. If the REAL truth be told the majority of the inhabitants of this planet do not understand human diet, thus are naive or like self-fooling infants. No wonder McDonalds is in nearly every town on the face of the Earth. Anyway if you are really healthy your body immediately REJECTS coffee, and gives you warning signals. If it doesn't or you cannot read the signals, it shows the state your body is in, or your lack of awareness. Reality check people! :-)

marycon08 profile image

marycon08  says:
9 months ago

hello.... this hub is cool...

I am really fan of a coffee...its like water to me...

i almost consume 4x cup a day... minimum.

and it brings boost of energy... I always read those article about coffee..and yeah..all of them say so... more on anti-oxidants..

And it prevents almost all kinds of sickness...

Informative Hub...

GBU

beth  says:
9 months ago

im 15 and like all a health freak, darnk about 2/3 or more a day. i do think i was addicted because i now that i have one in the morning, the first two days i had a realy bad headace. Now when i have coffe i feel more awake when i do drink it and i feel as if it lasts longer. Thanks for the research think il go back to having 2 a day now!:D

flowerpick profile image

flowerpick  says:
8 months ago

yeaH Caffaine si very bad.. very bad to our nervous sytem

tourmaline2777 profile image

tourmaline2777  says:
8 months ago

Very informative hub! I love coffee and I won't give it up anytime soon. I drink one cup a day so I think I should be safe.

Oromia  says:
7 months ago

In general Coffee is good for health! Thanks for sharing the information with us!

Lisa Packer profile image

Lisa Packer  says:
7 months ago

Well, one thing that must be considered when you talk about being healthy: What's it worth to live in such a strait-jacket of "healthiness" that life is no fun? That, for me, is the bottom line of my coffee fetish. Without several cups of my freshly ground Millstone Chocolate Velvet with a good dash of hazlenut creamer, life just doesn't have the same pizzaz. So whether the "pros'' outweigh the "cons" or not, I'm gonna have my coffee! Thanks for the great hub!

Lgali profile image

Lgali  says:
7 months ago

Healthy info...I have also some healthy article too

Sterling Sage profile image

Sterling Sage  says:
7 months ago

I think a lot of people don't understand that caffeine is a drug, just like any other drug.  Each drug has its own set of pros and cons, and caffeine is no different.  I won't focus on the severity of its dangers, because there's so much uncertainty on that point.

My problem is that everyone seems to think that coffee's unregulated legal status and widespread acceptance make it somehow different from other drugs.  It isn't.

Caffeine is a moderately powerful stimulant.  Almost everyone I know drinks it every day, and can't function well without it.  The withdrawal symptoms are horrible.  Most people who use it are trying to accomplish more and to feel better while working hard.  Others use it to stay awake when they really need to sleep; it masks their bodies' natural signals that tell them it's time to rest.

Caffeine is an addictive drug, just like nicotine, cocaine, valium, amphetamine, morphine, heroin, vicodin, and others.  It is certainly not the most dangerous or most addictive drug, but that doesn't change the fact that it's addictive.  Contrary to what others have said, I think the media doesn't give enough attention to the fact that almost everyone is addicted to this drug.

Look at how people view marijuana.  It's regarded by most as a problem in society, yet it's one of the few drugs that can't cause a fatal overdose.  Many just assume that it's bad because it's illegal, which doesn't make any sense.  It's no more logical to assume that coffee, a legal drug, is safe and healthy to use.

Personally, I like coffee.  I love the smell, the taste, and the ritual of drinking good coffee.  I'm not saying that drinking coffee, tea, or cola is automatically a bad thing, but people should be aware of what they are putting into their body.  Teenagers (or anyone else) who try caffeine are often taking the first step toward a life-long addiction, and that's not something that anyone should take lightly.

tonja niemi profile image

tonja niemi  says:
7 months ago

I love coffee! Your compilation of data is fantastic! On a humorous side, one PRO of coffee is that I am happier when I am drinking a cup - and hence, people around me have a better experience as well, because of coffee. Coffee makes life grand.

reagu profile image

reagu  says:
7 months ago

One thing about coffee is that the smell is sooo good. I'm not much of a coffee drinker tho'. I prefer green tea.

lol  says:
6 months ago

yay coffee :) DD is the best!

Sare  says:
6 months ago

Well coffee almost always gives me an upset stomach, as it does my mother and one of my closest friends. This I know is not healthy. And the so called pros of coffee can be consumed from fresh foods. Not too mention most coffee establishments and manufactuers sell old stale coffee and that is why lots of sugar and milk are essential to make it taste better. Fresh coffee is supposed to taste rich and sweet, not bitter. The big corps are trying to sell you.

JPSO138 profile image

JPSO138  says:
6 months ago

Very informative and very clear article. Well presented with good facts and justification. This is definitely awesome. Keep it up!

guess  says:
6 months ago

nice that show's that the more educated you are about the things the eat, do, or use the better you feel about it, now i dont fell bad about driking coffee every day thanks kat

abowie profile image

abowie  says:
5 months ago

Thanks for the info. As a person with heart disease I can varify that coffee is one of the top things to cut out of your diet. Good work.

ClaudiaP profile image

ClaudiaP  says:
5 months ago

Great hub! I have read articles that were either praising coffee a lot or being very negative. I appreciate your hub for presenting both pros and cons in an objective way and for supporting your assertions with good reference. Excelent!

juelz  says:
5 months ago

the art of coffee: by andrea jankVery hot and very strong

Let it brew good and long


Creamy white and very thick


Fluffy cream in a dish


Pure white crystals, a thousand in a spoon


Won’t be long, soon very soon…


The aroma is exciting


The taste beyond words


The warmth so inviting


And of this I am sure


Now it is done pour the cream in a cup


Then comes the coffee


Then the sugar, yup!


Smell the aroma


Taste the strong brew


Feel the great warmth


Is this not the best, thing to do?


Don’t be shy


Take a big shot


Now now don’t cry


You should know it is hot!


Coffee, my friend, is an art


Something you take seriously to heart


Coffee black, is good it’s true


But coffee with cream, and sugar too


Is quite the best, you’ll ever have


So my friend what’ll it be


Coffee black?


Or coffee with cream?


Bobalooba profile image

Bobalooba  says:
5 months ago

Very informative information, check out my 1st hub:


http://hubpages.com/hub/Does-Coffee-Cause-High-Blo

The Lonely Hubber profile image

The Lonely Hubber  says:
3 months ago

Hi KatieB


I'm at the point of no return with coffee. So yeah, bring on hell or high water! :)

V.C  says:
5 weeks ago

We all know that millions of people all aroung the world love coffee. When you drink coffe too much, it's not good for you. Sometimes drinking coffee is OK.

Wade  says:
4 weeks ago

Im 19 and Drink Coffee everyday at work and it really gets me going on the computer i couldn't live without it.


Can't believe the first person who posted was over 14 months ago wow im a little behind!!!

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