How does coffee affect our health? This question has prompted researchers from all over the world to study coffee in search for answer.
Coffee and Your Heart
Some people believe that coffee may not be good for the heart. In 2006, however, a meta-analysis of 21 studies concluded that there is no evidence that coffee increase the long-term risk of coronary heart disease. Coffee may actually have some beneficial effects against coronary heart disease, as a study published in the international Journal Of Cardiology in 2009 suggested that coffee is associated with a lower coronary heart disease in women.
However, excessive consumption of coffee is not recommended as there are studies which suggest that excessive drinking of coffee (8 cup or more a day) may cause an increase in cholesterol level, possibly leading to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Effect On Blood Pressure
Regular caffeine intake has been known to temporarily increase our blood pressure. However, a meta-analysis in the Journal Of Hypertension in 2005 showed that the blood pressure effect is small when caffeine ingested through coffee.
People with hypertension may be worried about the effects of coffee in their health. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition in 2011however showed that there is currently no evidence to support an association between long-term coffee consumption and increased risk of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease in people with hypertension.
Coffee and Diabetes
TYPE 2 diabetes is most common form of diabetes. It causes high levels of sugar to build up in our blood, eventually leading to conditions such as eye problems, damaged nerves, kidney damage, heart attack, and stroke.
Family history, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet and excessive fat aroud the waist are some of the factors that increase the risk of diabetes.
Can coffee reduce the risk of TYPE 2 diabetes? A review, published in the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition in 2006, examined epidemiologic and laboratory studies and suggested that long-term coffee consumption may have minor positive effects on weight loss, which , in turn, may help reduce the risk of diabetes.
A large prospective study in Singapore, which analyzed data from 36,908 Chinese participants from 1993 to 1998, suggested that regular consumption of coffee is associated with lower risk of TYPE 2 diabetes in men and women in Singapore.
More studies are needed to support current findings on coffee consumption on the risk to coronary heart disease, blood pressure and TYPE 2 diabetes.
Nevertheless, it has been established that drinking moderate amount of coffee (3-5 cup a day) is safe for adults. As we wait for more conclusive evidence, let`s enjoy our coffee in moderation.
A few questions that been asked by people:
Can I still enjoy my coffee if I am pregnant?
Yes, but experts recommended limiting yourself to 200 mg of caffeine a day, which is 1-3 cups of instant coffee.
Why do I feel warm after a cup?
This is because coffee contains caffeine, which can increase your metabolic rate temporarily. This effect is normal and nothing to worry about.
I have migraine. Will coffee make it worse?
Different migraine sufferers react differently to coffee. Some find that coffee may provide temporary relief during a migraine attack while others find that coffee may increase the frequency of migraine attack. Migraine sufferers who wish to drink coffee may enjoy between 1-2 cups of instant coffee a day.
Can coffee cause migraine?
No. migraine is often hereditary, passed on from parent to child.
Can coffee affect the heartbeat?
Generally, no. but there are a few people who are sensitive to caffeine. After a cup of coffee, they may temporarily feel that their heartbeat is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating too hard or too fast. These feeling called heart palpitations may be felt in the chest, throat, or neck. Heart palpitations are generally harmless and can also be caused by other factors such as strong emotions, vigorous physical activity, alcohol, nicotine, and certain medications.
This article is by Nutrition Society of Malaysia with Nestle Nescafe. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not considered as medical advice.
~Life and Times Family, Advertorial (pg 3), December 18, 2011. New Sunday Times.
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