A New Perspective on
Coffee
shown that some people may be allergic or have life threaten- ing aggravations to coffee. These people should abstain from any coffee. Others can seemingly tolerate unlimited amounts. However for most people moderate amounts can contribute to the simple pleasures of the pallet without dire consequences. The key is quantity and quality. There is much research concerning both the negative effects
of coffee drinking as well as the benefits. Much of this focuses on caffeine; however there are many other not so researched chemicals that contribute to both the negatives and the posi- tives. Many of the pro’s and con’s from various studies that can easily be found on the internet are listed below:
Coffee/Caffeine Cons by Robert Shane
n many cultures a number of herbs, plants, seeds and their distillates, such as tobacco and alcohol and even some hal- lucinogens are used in sacred, spiritual and health promoting ceremonies. Used in moderation these integrated rituals prob- ably do an enormous amount of good. They are not designed to be used as a daily or even hourly habit. Only modern society promotes this. The most ubiquitous of these compounds is coffee and as with many daily habits, controversy abounds. Science has
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—Coffee is a central nervous system stimulator that gives the adrenals a kick and causes production of the stress handling hormone adrenalin and the production of more cortisol result- ing in short term benefits of heightened awareness / alertness and more energy, but long term may result in a crash after each consumption to lower levels of energy than previously thereby necessitating another cup and another cup, etc. Thus it may be addictive and ultimately may result in adrenal exhaustion.
— Coffee has been associated with low birth weight, birth defects, miscarriages, premature birth, inability to conceive and sluggish sperm.
— Many of the chemicals irritate the stomach lining causing an increase of stomach acid leading to digestive disorders.
— Decreases quality of sleep.
— Hampers the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and B vitamins.
— Stimulates more frequent urination and subsequent loss of vitamins and minerals such as B, C calcium, iron and zinc. — May aggravate osteoporosis — May increase intraocular pressure in those with glaucoma. — Aggravates stress in people who drink it every day.
Coffee/Caffeine Pros
— There are scientific studies that refute most if not all of the above listed negative effects.
— Increases intellectual activity when fatigued or bored. — Caffeine prevents crystallization of cholesterol and reduces risk of development of gallstones.
— Coffee has shown a protective effect against colon cancer likely due to enhanced colonic activity of the colon and anti- mutagenic components in coffee.
— The theophylline in coffee may protect against asthma. — Caffeine dilates the arteries of the brain and may counter
12 Triad
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