Coffee: Boon or Bane?

Is coffee a boon or a bane?

It’s been a big debate for centuries. 

If you are a lover of this caffeinated beverage, then you have probably heard a thousand reasons why you should not drink it. For years they said coffee kills. But is that true?

I absolutely love coffee! My day doesn’t start without it. My close ones keep telling me to give it up. While the ones who don’t know me get a shock to see an Ayurvedic doctor drinking coffee?

Ayurveda is not only about herbal teas and vegetable soups. It’s about eating a balanced diet in the right way at the right time. The key is balancing!

Is coffee a boon or a bane –  They said bane!

Many people sail through the tough days with a little caffeine.

But because of the infamous talks, many people see it as an addiction. 

For a long time, scientists blamed coffee for causing many health issues. 

Doctors have been warning us against coffee!

That’s why, many people drink coffee with a pang of guilt.

The fumes behind this myth

Researchers said coffee can increase the risk of heart disease. 

Experts also believe that coffee has damaging effects on our digestive tract. Caffeine can stimulate the muscles in your digestive system which can upset the tummy. They assumed it to be causative of stomach ulcers, heartburn, and other illnesses.

Another concern was regarding the addiction to the energy brought by caffeine. The addiction may lead to cravings for more and more coffee. This in turn results in a higher intake of caffeine. They even said that coffee drinkers have higher mortality than non-coffee drinkers.

The big loophole in this research! 

Past studies didn’t take into consideration all the other health parameters of the individuals. Poor health and bad health choices like smoking, drinking, and lack of physical activity were left out of the scene. As such, the correctness of this research came under scrutiny. 

If we drink a lot of coffee while breeding these unhealthy habits, then the diseases can also be linked to their lifestyle or general health. Thus, these past studies cannot certainly say if coffee has any side effects. 

Is coffee a boon or a bane: Modern studies say it’s a boon

One cannot say that coffee drinkers are at higher risk for diseases without taking into account all the other parameters. It cannot be an isolated case study.

Recent studies revealed that there is no major link between coffee and heart-related problems.

High cholesterol, irregular heartbeats, stroke, or heart attack didn’t show any consistent link with coffee.

Hence, modern research disses out all the past reports citing the health hazards of coffee. 

Is coffee a boon or a bane – What modern research says?

1. Coffee defends you against diabetes 

Recent studies stated that coffee has the potential to reduce the risk of diseases. Some studies state that daily coffee drinkers may have about 11% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is because of the chemicals in coffee that affect levels of hormones involved in metabolism.

2. Coffee guards your heart

Another study found that people who sipped about 2-4 cups of coffee per day had a lower risk of stroke. Heart specialists now say that this is because of coffee’s effect on the blood vessels. Coffee keeps blood vessels flexible and healthy. This may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which causes heart attacks.

3. Coffee keeps cancer away

Further, research findings say that coffee is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to fight the oxidative damage that usually causes cancer. That is why some studies say that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of liver cancer.

4. Coffee can help you live long and young

There is another trending research on the effect of coffee on longevity. Researchers found that chemicals contained in coffee may help to reduce inflammation. Inflammation plays an important role in a number of age-related health problems. The study also found that coffee may slow down some of the metabolic processes that lead to premature aging.

Also Read: Coffee and Longevity

5. Coffee to curb your mental woes

Studies also say that coffee can improve your cognitive function and mental health. A 2017 study by Harvard reported that women’s risk of depression went down as their coffee consumption went up. Other U.S.-based studies also revealed that coffee drinkers have a lower tendency to get suicidal thoughts. 

Also Read: Take a Coffee Nap

How much coffee is safe?

Coffee is good for your health, but too much of everything is bad! 

Excess coffee consumption can cause health problems, especially in the digestive tract. Diarrhea or constipation can be common symptoms of excessive coffee. Also drinking coffee late at night can give you a restless sleepless night. 

Thus, it is important to keep in mind when and how many cups of coffee.

One Finnish study claims that the risk of suicide is lower in people who drink 7 cups of coffee every day. However, the risk shoots up dramatically if the person drinks 8 cups or more. 

But that’s too much!

Most studies conclude that sipping up to four cups of coffee per day is safe. 

I usually stick to 3-4 cups a day.

Researchers say that 3-4 cups a day is optimum for a long healthy life.

You find your healthy balance or you may contact an Ayurvedic doctor for a more personalized opinion.

Also Read: Scientists reveal how many cups of coffee should you drink

When it’s best to drink coffee?

Most people start their day with a hot brewing cup of coffee.

But it’s not advisable to drink coffee on an empty stomach. Start with warm water followed by natural lemon juice or herbal teas. Then you can grab your cup of morning coffee along with breakfast. Coffee refreshes your mind and takes away the leftover sleep from your eyes

You can go for another round of drinks in the afternoon after lunch. This is when the body feels slow and lethargic. A fresh hot cup of coffee can bring the necessary energy to get through the piles of work. It refreshes your brain and enhances your focus on the task at hand.

The last cup you can drink before 6 p.m. I usually don’t drink coffee after 6 p.m. as the caffeine can give a really hard time falling asleep. But if you opt for late, then keep the amount of coffee to a minimum. Do not drink it too late though!

Is coffee a boon or a bane – Ayurvedic Doctor’s opinion!

I am a fan of my percolated coffee.

And am sure you too are in love with this amazing brew.

So, drink your coffee without guilt and tension because it is doing more good when you drink it right.

Caffeinated beverages can curb a number of health risks. Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver, colon and prostate cancers, liver disease, and heart diseases. There are several studies that say drinking coffee can reduce the risk of these diseases.

However, one important thing to keep in mind is sugar and dairy consumption. Limit the amount of sugar in your coffee by switching to black coffee. You can also opt for healthier sweeteners like a jaggery that tastes the same sans the ill effects of sugar.

Also, make sure not to binge on processed cookies or biscuits with your healthy cup of coffee. Enjoy the actual flavors of coffee by drinking it without such unhealthy complimentary!

And next time someone says you to ditch your coffee give them this little update.