Coffee: Friend or Foe (Part 2)

Earlier this week, we discussed the potential benefits of coffee. Now, let’s take a look at the flip side and chat about why coffee may not be the best choice for you..

Cons:

• Although the research is unclear, it has been suggested that coffee holds inflammatory substances that relates to an increase in blood pressure and heart disease. On one hand, it contains harmful compounds that raises cholesterol and risk of coronary heart disease, but on the other hand, the antioxidants can have positive effects on heart disease (keep in mind, the quality of the coffee and amount of added chemicals will most likely contribute these effects).

• Relating to the inflammatory contents associated with coffee, the same unknown ingredients seems to trigger inflammatory response in those with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

• Caffeine acts as a diuretic, not only causing dehydration, but causing calcium in the bones to be excreted through urine. This means that coffee is a culprit for loss of bone density, and ultimately, a cause for osteoporosis.

• Caffeine can overstimulate the central nervous system and cause negative effects on sleep patterns. This can eventually cause improper adrenal function and lead to issues such as chronic fatigue.

• Coffee has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, however, studies used roughly 4-6 cups a day which is a little excessive!

• Some people suffer from heartburn when drinking coffee as it promotes gastroesophageal reflux.

• The caffeine high from coffee can actually cause weight gain as it causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate, causing you to reach for sugary foods like cookies and donuts.

• If the cravings weren’t bad enough, when you crash from your caffeine high, we are more likely to reach for high sugar, high fat foods again!

• Organic coffee is tough to find and being a plant source, coffee can be full of chemicals and pesticides that can cause harsh bodily reactions (think gut disorders and inflammation).

Well, that’s been a mouthful, to say the least. As with most things in life, there are pros and cons and often they relate to specific circumstances. Everyone’s body, lifestyle and state of health are different so there is no cookie cutter answer to the questions: Friend or Foe?? You need to take a look at the pros and cons and decide for yourself what works based on your body and how it reacts to your morning cup o’ joe.

Looking for an alternative? Read our review of several alternatives to coffee and why you may want to try them.

Image credit via Flickr.