Coffee: Friend or Foe?

Coffee may have benefic effects because it contains high amounts of antioxidants and can reduce the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, or Parkinson`s disease. However, coffee may also have side effects.

Due to the antioxidant properties of coffee, the risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammation can be decreased for women who drink coffee, according to a recent study. The regular coffee consumption, especially decaffeinated coffee, may lower the risk of having Type 2 diabetes.

Older women who consumed coffee throughout their life appeared to have better memory and cognitive skills. Caffeine may have a key role in preserving their cognitive skills, showed the study.

Small amounts of caffeine may reduce the risk of Parkinson`s disease for women who followed a therapy with postmenopausal hormone, according to the study. Moderate-to-high levels of caffeine may decrease the risk of Parkinson`s disease for women who did not follow a hormone therapy.
Caffeine excess may lead to sleeplessness, abnormal heart rhythms, irritability, restlessness, tremors, anxiety, headaches, or gastrointestinal problems. For some people it may cause high blood pressure.

Adrenalin remain elevated even at night if the last coffee was drunk at lunch, according to another study. Coffee is considered an anti-nutrient because it restrains the absorption of potassium, vitamin B, zinc, magnesium, or iron.

Coffee consumption is not a cause of cardiovascular diseases, according to researchers. The study monitored the effects of coffee, not caffeine. Coffee contains other chemicals beside caffeine and some are benefic.

Caffeine is known to cause increased blood pressure, decreased insulin sensitivity, or fatty acids. For most people, coffee consumed in moderate amounts - two to four cups per day does not affect their health, showed the studies.