Coffee: Friend or Foe?
By Desirea D. Caucci, PT, DPT
We hear conflicted advice about its consumption, so I took the time to read about the most recent facts on this
subject. If you are a part of the majority of fellow coffee drinkers who look forward to the morning (afternoon
and evening) pick-me-up coffee provides, then you will appreciate some good news that I have for you.
Unfortunately, though, the verdict is not clear-cut. Those of you who prefer not to indulge can still say, “I told
you so.” Read on.
Coffee has been shown to provide many different important health benefits in the most recent scientific studies.
Coffee contains antioxidants that fight the chemicals in the body responsible for a number of illnesses, including
cancer and heart disease. More specifically, coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of liver cancer, adult-
onset diabetes, Parkinson's, colon cancer, cirrhosis, and gallstones. Coffee also contains hundreds of pain-
relieving compounds as well as antibacterial properties that prevent bacteria from sticking to tooth enamel and
that reduce the growth of certain tooth decaying bacteria in the mouth. Studies are under way to see if all this
equates to fewer cavities.
Another new study shows caffeine in coffee can help reduce exercise-induced muscle pain and improve stamina,
allowing you to push yourself harder and longer. You’ll need to down a 16-ouncer before exercising; smaller
amounts may work, but to a lesser degree. I noticed this when, on a few occasions, I had my cup before
heading to the gym. I was amazed at my energy level on the treadmill!
In addition to the physical benefits, a number of studies have shown that coffee may enhance mental functions
by making you more alert and even boosting your learning abilities and powers of reasoning. Further, it can
elevate your mood and possibly lower symptoms of depression.
For those of you who prefer decaf, you may be wondering if all of these benefits apply to you as well. More
good news…drinking decaffeinated coffee seems provide many of the benefits mentioned above.
Of course there are also several studies that show some negatives to my warm, creamy beverage of choice.
Some of the less favorable findings points out that coffee consumption is also associated with an unhealthy
lifestyle, including consumption of sugars (pastries) and smoking. Another study showed that coffee could cause
distorted results in scanning devices. Researchers at St. Louis University School of Medicine found that caffeine
just before a CT scan or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can obscure scan results. So, wait till
after the scan to have your cup!
As far back as 1958, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rated caffeine as GRAS (Generally Recognized as
Safe) and reaffirmed in 1987 that caffeine poses no significant health risks. Even though it leads to mild
increases in blood pressure, it is not a known cause of heart disease or high blood pressure. However, persons
prone to arrythmias (irregular beating patterns of the heart) may notice that these occur with caffeine
consumption. Psychological conditions may also be affected by caffeine consumption. Symptoms of panic and
anxiety disorders and PMS may worsen. Both the American Medical Association and the American Cancer
Society have issued statements stressing the safety of caffeine consumption in moderate amounts. Nothing
specifies what “moderate” amounts are, so that is left up to us joe-junkies to figure out for ourselves.
By Desirea D. Caucci, PT, DPT
We hear conflicted advice about its consumption, so I took the time to read about the most recent facts on this
subject. If you are a part of the majority of fellow coffee drinkers who look forward to the morning (afternoon
and evening) pick-me-up coffee provides, then you will appreciate some good news that I have for you.
Unfortunately, though, the verdict is not clear-cut. Those of you who prefer not to indulge can still say, “I told
you so.” Read on.
Coffee has been shown to provide many different important health benefits in the most recent scientific studies.
Coffee contains antioxidants that fight the chemicals in the body responsible for a number of illnesses, including
cancer and heart disease. More specifically, coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of liver cancer, adult-
onset diabetes, Parkinson's, colon cancer, cirrhosis, and gallstones. Coffee also contains hundreds of pain-
relieving compounds as well as antibacterial properties that prevent bacteria from sticking to tooth enamel and
that reduce the growth of certain tooth decaying bacteria in the mouth. Studies are under way to see if all this
equates to fewer cavities.
Another new study shows caffeine in coffee can help reduce exercise-induced muscle pain and improve stamina,
allowing you to push yourself harder and longer. You’ll need to down a 16-ouncer before exercising; smaller
amounts may work, but to a lesser degree. I noticed this when, on a few occasions, I had my cup before
heading to the gym. I was amazed at my energy level on the treadmill!
In addition to the physical benefits, a number of studies have shown that coffee may enhance mental functions
by making you more alert and even boosting your learning abilities and powers of reasoning. Further, it can
elevate your mood and possibly lower symptoms of depression.
For those of you who prefer decaf, you may be wondering if all of these benefits apply to you as well. More
good news…drinking decaffeinated coffee seems provide many of the benefits mentioned above.
Of course there are also several studies that show some negatives to my warm, creamy beverage of choice.
Some of the less favorable findings points out that coffee consumption is also associated with an unhealthy
lifestyle, including consumption of sugars (pastries) and smoking. Another study showed that coffee could cause
distorted results in scanning devices. Researchers at St. Louis University School of Medicine found that caffeine
just before a CT scan or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can obscure scan results. So, wait till
after the scan to have your cup!
As far back as 1958, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rated caffeine as GRAS (Generally Recognized as
Safe) and reaffirmed in 1987 that caffeine poses no significant health risks. Even though it leads to mild
increases in blood pressure, it is not a known cause of heart disease or high blood pressure. However, persons
prone to arrythmias (irregular beating patterns of the heart) may notice that these occur with caffeine
consumption. Psychological conditions may also be affected by caffeine consumption. Symptoms of panic and
anxiety disorders and PMS may worsen. Both the American Medical Association and the American Cancer
Society have issued statements stressing the safety of caffeine consumption in moderate amounts. Nothing
specifies what “moderate” amounts are, so that is left up to us joe-junkies to figure out for ourselves.
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