September 3, 2015 general

Like so many other subjects in health, coffee is not just black or white (and I don’t mean without or with cream). There is good news, bad news and shades of gray. (Maybe not 50 shades, but a lot.)

The GOOD news. We seem to love the taste, smell, energy lift and attitude adjustment from it. Coffee consumption has previously been linked to reduced risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. Caffeine is considered a fat burner. I decided to check in and see the current themes look like. Here are conclusions from some recent studies:

• “Higher coffee intake may be associated with significantly reduced cancer recurrence and death in patients with stage III colon cancer.” Abstract.
• In another study, cancer benefit was found, but 4 cups a day a linked to a 16% reduced risk of death from all causes and at the level of 3 cups, 21% less risk for cardiovascular risk. Abstract.
• A change in the way the liver functions may help explain why coffee is associated with reduced risk of Type 3 Diabetes. Abstract.

The BAD news. Caffeine increases the stress hormone cortisol; can heighten anxiety; and raise blood pressure. It may cause cravings and affects brain signaling chemicals that might provide a lift that for some persons is followed by a letdown later. Depending on the efficiency of a person’s liver, even morning coffee can cause sleep interference for some folks. Depending on the efficiency of the liver, it can take up to 24 hours to fully clear caffeine from circulation.

• Coffee has long been suspected as a factor in miscarriage, but there is little science to support that conclusion. Abstract.
• Likewise coffee has been accused of adding to risk for birth defects. One study hinted at a connection to club foot babies among women drinking more than 3 cups per day. Abstract. Another study showed a slightly increased risk of a nasal defect when 3 cups per day were consumed before conception. Abstract.

Confusing Gray areas.

• Regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE, blood clots that are a cardiovascular risk) a review of studies concluded something odd. Compared to those who didn’t drink coffee, those who drank 1-4 cups/day were at an 11% increased risk of VTE. However, those who drank more than 5 cups a day had a 25% decreased risk. Abstract.
• Some worry about the acid nature of coffee. The beverage itself has a pH of 5.1 (neutral is 7 lower numbers are more acidic). Apples are 3.6. Most of the digestive tract is normally acidic, so coffee’s moderate acidity probably isn’t a concern. There is a more complicated process that takes place after coffee is metabolized. Some claim that coffee makes tissues It is assumed that minerals are then pulled from bones to buffer the acid in tissues. A study of postmenopausal Korean women did not show a negative effect of coffee on bone density. Abstract.

So, is coffee healthful or not? My advice: If you are a coffee drinker, buy the best organic fair trade brand you can and prepare it in a way that filters out the component cafestol which can raise cholesterol. Also, and this is key, don’t undo the good of the coffee by ordering it with a load of sugar. For example, a venti Starbucks Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino® Blended Crème (I picked that because it sounded delicious) contains 82 grams of sugar. That is over 20 teaspoons of sugar! There are various beneficial substances in coffee, most of which are antioxidants. If you are not a coffee drinker, there are other sources of antioxidants such as green tea, veggies and super-fruit combinations like Fruit of the Spirit.