Guest Author - Gayle E. Santana
Almost everyday in the headlines you will find good or bad news about your favorite drink or food. In fact you will find good and bad news about your favorite drink or food over time. Why is that? Because everything, even you, can be broken down into two categories—what is great and what is not. But we often choose to focus on what is convenient for our needs and wants at the time.
There have been many studies done on coffee. Coffee has been linked to reducing the incidence of Diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, and has recently been touted as being high in antioxidants as well. According to Merriamwebster.com, "an antioxidant is a substance (as beta-carotene or vitamin C) that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals." Antioxidants are known to prevent cancer. This information about coffee has no doubt surfaced because tea has become the god of antioxidant intake.
Does this make coffee a super food that we should consume by the gallon? Well not so fast. Let’s look at the not-so-good about coffee. On the other side of the pendulum swing studies have also shown that coffee can increase blood pressure, promote heart disease, cause dehydration and can be addictive-and that’s just for starters.
Coffee is not alone in this contradiction of information. Most any food or drink has been the victim of fickle-crowd journalism. While there have been a plethora of studies done, it is most unfortunate that some studies can be slanted in favor of the one funding the study or authoring the report. But we must give credit where credit is due.
We the people are at the bottom of it all. We hear what we want to hear. We are always looking for that super health drink or food that will simplify our lives. Drink a drink, take a pill and all will be perfectly well. But staying healthy is a complex matter that still requires you to make good choices, eating and drinking all things in moderation.
The real truth is that coffee’s health benefits or ill effects are an individual matter. You must look at your total health history, your eating habits and your lifestyle. Common sense must also prevail as well as advice from your doctor.
For me, my one cup of coffee is a great thing. I have no health issues and, having a laid-back personality, it gives me the kick I need for the day. It also adds a pleasurable component to my morning routine. I don’t know about you but I look to eating a sensible diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins and whole grains along with daily activity for good health and a long life. Not to my morning cup of java. If my morning cup of java can add to those benefits, I am all for it.
While the jury is still out on the health benefits or perils of coffee, it is good to know as you sip on that cup the news is not all bad.
