Coffee has been blamed for causing many ailments, but in many instances it is found not guilty.

The most popular beverage worldwide is tea (after water), but coffee is close behind it in industrialized countries.  While caffeine is a natural component of both coffee and tea, coffee contains more of it.  According to UC Berkeley, coffee contains approximately 60 to 120 milligrams in six ounces, depending on brewing method and factors.  Caffeine is considered to be a mild psychoactive substance – it stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness.  It also enhances the analgesic effect of aspirin and other pain relievers, which is why it is added to some drugs.  And yes, in large amounts, it can cause heart palpitations, insomnia and stomach upset.

Coffee’s history dates back in the 1500’s, even though they are seeds, they are referred to as “beans” because of their resemblance.  Coffee bean contains many phytochemicals besides caffeine, and does have many beneficial effects in the body (very similar to tea) which is currently being studied.  The studies done on coffee has been whether it can cause disease and not so much for its beneficial effects, which is why many people think that it is bad to drink coffee.  While many believe that drinking decaf is better, there is actually no proof of it being any better than your regular ‘cuppa joe.

So, is coffee guilty of causing many ailments or not? In many instances, it has been declared…not guilty.

• Many studies exonerated the link of drinking coffee and heart disease.  Some researchers are still worried that it can cause hypertension – but many studies have failed to show that it does.  If you consider smoking and heavy alcohol consumption into account, any link between coffee and heart attack disappears.
• Coffee and fibrocystic disease (painful lumps in breast), proved no connection.
• Osteoporosis risk in coffee drinkers is minimal – although controversial.  (Heavy coffee drinkers are more likely to eat poorly and smoke, which increases their predisposition to osteoporosis).
• Miscarriages and birth defects haven’t supported intake of coffee – perhaps high intake.  Pregnant women should limit their amount to one or two cups a day.

The research on coffee continues…Here are the latest tidbits:

• Several large studies have shown that caffeine intake is associated with a reduce risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD) in men, but studies in women have been inconclusive.  Men who drank no coffee were two to three times more likely to develop PD than those who drank one to four cups a day and five times more likely than those who drank more than four cups a day.  The protective substance was caffeine.  Again, this is unexplainable at the moment, with many limitations.  Definitely worth investigating further.
• In another study, those who drank two to three cups daily cut their risk for developing gall stones by 40%.  Again, there is no explanation to this – therefore, do not jump on the java wagon and say that it can prevent gall stones just yet.

Studies in regards to coffee are still out there, and some do raise minor issues.  Five to eight cups of unfiltered European style coffee, made in a French press (pot with plunger – raises blood cholesterol.  Majority of coffee consumed in the U.S. and Canada are filtered.  And anyway, that’s a lot of coffee.

Another study brings up urinary incontinence linked to coffee consumption.  This is definitely a no brainer.  Hence, cut back.

Bottom Line: If you’re healthy it’s fine to drink coffee in moderation (no more than three or four cups per day).  Social coffee drinking is not a bad thing.  In fact, don’t deprive yourself if you like the lift it gives and the sociability that’s attached to it.  Overindulging in coffee sure does have some negative effects – as does eating and leading an unhealthy lifestyle.  Drink up!