Coffee – is it healthy or not?
The health effects of coffee are controversial. Coffee lovers state that coffee is a good source of antioxidant, while non-coffee drinkers affirm that caffeine is a strong stimulant that may disrupt sleep. This weekly tip analyzes coffee and its health effects, looking at both the positives and negatives.
Positives
- Coffee is rich in many of the nutrients naturally found in coffee beans. A typical 8-ounce (240-ml) cup of coffee contains (1):
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 11% of the DV
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 6% of the DV
Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 2% of the DV
Vitamin B3 (niacin): 2% of the DV
Folate: 1% of the DV
Manganese: 3% of the DV
Potassium: 3% of the DV
Magnesium: 2% of the DV
Phosphorus: 1% of the DV
- Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that can enhance brain function and boost metabolism.
- Coffee can help to be more productive.
- Coffee with no added artificial creams and sugars can prevent some chronic diseases.
Negatives
- Caffeine can cause anxiety and disrupt sleep.
- Caffeine is addictive and missing a few cups can lead to withdrawal.
- Some coffee beverages are high in calories.
- Coffee can cause teeth stains.
Coffee can have many health benefits for the average person. If you do not drink coffee, these benefits are not a compelling reason to start doing it. There are downsides as well. But if you already drink coffee and you enjoy it, the benefits appear to far outweigh the negatives.
