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Article by Billie Bueler – Rim Chiropractic
Oh, coffee…. you’ve been touted the drink of the gods, and then demonized as though poison! What’s a person supposed to believe? Well, here is some information from a nutritionist, and it’s pretty much GREAT news! Grab your morning cup of java, and let’s unpack some really interesting facts about this fabulous bean!
Let’s start with the fact that coffee is considered to be a Nootropic drug, a group of ‘smart drugs’ and cognitive enhancers like supplements, and other substances thought to improve cognitive function, such as memory, creativity, or motivation in healthy individuals. Additionally, coffee containing caffeine blocks a molecule called adenosine. This molecule causes drowsiness. Caffeine also upregulates serotonin and other neurotransmitters that make us feel energized, and awake, as well as more motivated and even happier. So far, so good!
Add to that the fact that studies have been done linking coffee to several other health benefits! Research is now showing coffee, caffeinated or decaf, may help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. According to results reported in the Journal of Natural Products, a compound called cafestol found in coffee increased insulin secretion, reduced fasting blood sugar levels and even improved insulin sensitivity in laboratory mice. Although the study only lasted for 10 weeks, the 28-30% reduction in blood sugar levels was certainly notable. When the mice were given even higher doses of cafestol, the benefits increased to 42%! And at the higher dose, the hormone responsible for increasing fasting blood sugar, glucagon, was reduced! And there was marked improvement in insulin sensitivity as well. The study concluded that this compound had a potential role as an anti-diabetic drug according to one of the researchers, Frederick Mellbye at the Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark.
Another study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, claims that drinking coffee may protect against liver fibrosis, a hardening of liver tissue due to repeated attempts by the liver to heal itself from damage. Since our western diet turned to mostly processed, inorganic foods, we’ve seen an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD. The result is cirrhosis, scarring of liver tissue. Data suggests that coffee consumption not only results in lower cases of liver fibrosis, but also in cirrhosis . 1
Ira Driscoll, Assistant Professor of Psychology at UWM (University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee) did a study and concluded that higher caffeine consumption in women over 65 years of age was associated with a reduced chance of developing dementia or other cognitive impairments. 2 The study lasted 10 years and was met with a lot of media attention, and conservatively suggested more study should be considered. But the reports were encouraging and warrant at least a nod here.
The American Cancer Society has gone so far as to say that coffee may lower the risks of several types of cancer including colorectal, liver, breast and endometrial cancers. Caffeine and a multitude of other compounds such as flavonoids, lignans and polyphenols found in roasted coffee have been discovered to inhibit cellular damage, regulate genes involved with repairing DNA damage, and even inhibiting meta-stasis. The link found between coffee consumption and reduction in inflammation is also very significant in regards to cancer. The National Cancer Institute has several times now published the link between inflammation and all cancers.
Let’s not forget the nutritional value of coffee! We are talking about riboflavin (B2), pantothenic acid (B5), manganese, potassium, magnesium and niacin (B6). How is that for a healthy drink? Add antioxidants, those compounds that help defend you against free radicals, and it gets even more impressive, am I right?
As with all things, there are precautions. The amount of caffeine an individual consumes without issue varies. Some people experience anxiety and restlessness after just a cup of caffeinated coffee, some can drink several cups without those symptoms. Some people can’t drink coffee containing caffeine after 1 or 2 in the afternoon without it disrupting their sleep. Those who suffer from GERD or high blood pressure should limit their consumption to 1 cup a day. Coffee can be a heavily sprayed crop, and health experts agree that organic is a better choice. You want to make sure you’re getting the best, freshest coffee possible to reap the most benefits.
And be aware of the ingredients added to the coffee drinks you purchase. Sugar and hormone laden dairy products are a no. Make your coffee at home to be sure the additives are not harmful to you.
Sit back and enjoy that cup of joe! Coffee…in moderation…. does a body good!
1 Journal of hepatology, 2017: DOI: 10.1016/j.hep. 2017. 03. 013
2 Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study- The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences (2016). DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glw078