Can’t start the day without your magic coffee? Can’t get through the day without more magic coffee?…
In less than 60 minutes the caffeine kick sets in – you feel more energetic, your mood improves and you feel less stressed! …
But the general blurb is that coffee ADDS to physical symptoms of anxiety and stress…
If you are worried that you are trading your health for that cup of coffee, you will be pleased to know that research is uncovering some health benefits of coffee. Studies are showing that a regular coffee break can be linked with a decreased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and even health conditions like Parkinson’s and colon cancer.
But, take note, according to WebMD, decaffeinated coffee is NOT magic coffee! Some studies say that decaf coffee has the opposite effect – increased risk for heart attacks and strokes in people who are already prone to heart disease.
The American Heart Association does say that the research linking coffee to health risks is conflicting. But it concludes that one or two cups (about 200 to 300 milligrams) a day “doesn’t seem to be harmful”.
A research scientist at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies, told WebMD: “For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a lot of good. Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthy than it is harmful.”
So, I think that you can count that as the go-ahead to have at least one cup of magic coffee a day?
Too much caffeine?
Heavy daily coffee drinking – more than four to seven cups (500 to 600mg) a day, can cause:
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Muscle Tremors
- Sleeplessness
- Headaches
- Nausea, diarrhoea and other gastro-intestinal problems
- Abnormal heart rhythms
A few more bits of “coffee info”…
ScienceDaily reported recently on a study headed by researchers from Barcelona University which showed that caffeine had a greater effect on men than on women.
And the effects started just 10 minutes after drinking.
And, contrary to previous thoughts, decaffeinated coffee also produced an increased state of alertness.
Longer lasting effects of coffee were noted among young men. The experts say that the effects of that cup of coffee last between 2 – 3 hours and can even last for up to 5 hours depending on the coffee-drinkers age, sensitivity and metabolic rate.
I would recommend that, as in all things, we follow the old saying, “Everything in moderation”.
And take note of the Mayo Clinic warning that whilst coffee may not be harming us, fruit juice, water and other beverages contain much more nutrients and benefits that coffee does not.
And, of course, that cup of straight black coffee is one thing BUT all the other speciality coffees come with large amounts of sugar, milk and cream AND calories which are another health conversation on its own!
My advice? Use your common sense and enjoy one or two cups of magic coffee a day – if that is how you like to take a break! And include exercise, relaxation and the other good things for managing your stress wisely.
Take a coffee break and look at the rest of our site for excellent tips and techniques for natural stress management.
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