Coffee Conundrums

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Coffee has become one of the most popular beverages in the world. A significant amount of coffee research is happening right now. Here is some information that we are learning about coffee:

·         Coffee is a good source of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and several natural antioxidant phytochemicals.

·         Moderate to high consumption of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee is associated with low risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Some research suggests that coffee components other than caffeine may affect the development of type 2 diabetes.

·         A moderate intake of coffee doesn’t seem to be related to an increase in bone loss. Moderate caffeine consumption (300 milligrams per day) is about 3 (8 oz.) cups of brewed coffee.

·         The Institute of Medicine updated the Dietary Reference Intakes for water in 2004 to include caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, and soft drinks) to be counted toward the daily fluid total. Research found caffeine containing beverages appear to contribute to the body’s daily total water intake in amounts similar to that contributed by non-caffeinated beverages.

·         Caffeine and coffee consumed one hour before exercise can improve short-term and endurance exercise performance.
For most healthy adults, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states moderate amounts of caffeine (200 to 300 milligrams per day) poses no physical problems. A moderate amount of caffeine is two to three (8 oz.) cups of coffee. If you feel that you are drinking too much coffee, but don’t want to give it up completely, here are some tips for cutting back:

·         Split it up. Mix regular with decaffeinated coffee.

·         Alternate a cup of decaffeinated coffee with regular coffee.

·         Drink a glass of water in alternate sips with coffee.

·         Switch to espresso, it has less caffeine than a cup of coffee.

·         If you normally drink a lot of coffee, be sure to cut back slowly. Cutting back quickly will cause headaches, lethargy, and drowsiness for a day or two.
Choate, M. S. (2013 Oct. 24). Coffee conundrums. Coop Foodstore. Retrieved from: http://www.coopfoodstore.coop/news/coffee-conundrums
-MG

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