What’s so good about coffee anyways?
Caffeine lovers have had it right for a long time. As long as they’ve been carefully supplementing their caffeinated needs with the help of coffee, they’ve been reaping the healthy benefits that the drink has to offer.
In her article titled The Health Benefits of Coffee, author Jennifer Copley outlines numerous conditions that coffee helps in providing positive & protective effects.
Coffee provides caffeine and anti-oxidants. Numerous recent studies show that in the right amount, caffeine and anti-oxidants have positive effects on health. Anti oxidants prevent the oxidative process from damaging & destroying cells.
The taste & warmth
What’s better than the feel of a cup of coffee warming your hands on a cold morning.
What can possibly smell better that the aroma of rich fresh coffee, enveloping into your home.
There aren’t many who’ll argue against the pleasant ambiance of a coffee house. A fresh brew of coffee supplemented with live acoustic guitar presents a perfect opportunity to talk with friends or to spend with a date.
Coffee, caffeine, and athletic performance
Studies have shown that caffeine influences blood glucose levels. It is common for cyclists to consume coffee prior to time-trials, stage races, and classic events.
Caffeine can improve athletic performance. It can do this without impairing the body’s temperature regulation or hydration.
Research has shown that relatively small doses of caffeine- roughly the equivalent of a cup of coffee (70-150 mg of caffeine, or 1-3 mg caffeine per kg body weight), consumed about one hour before exercise, can enhance reaction time, concentration & alertness, as well as improve performance in both endurance events and in short high intensity events.
How much is just right?
The Mayo Clinic suggests consuming 2-4 cups of coffee per day. This gives coffee drinkers roughly the equivalent of 200mg to 300mg of caffeine.
How much is too much?
Excess coffee consumption- 6-7+ cups per day- can lead to, or worsen the following conditions;
- Insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, nausea or other gastrointestinal problems, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, headaches, and anxiety
For further information on caffeine contents in drinks, explore Caffeine Content of Drinks.
You can also see Food & Beverage Caffeine Contents.
