Food Talk: Is coffee bad?

QUESTION: I really enjoy drinking coffee. Is it bad for you?

ANSWER: It was thought at one time too much coffee could increase your risk for heart disease and some cancers. Newer research is causing some to question these statements. In fact, some research indicates a certain amount of coffee may actually be beneficial. 

This is good because Americans sure do love their java. For the first time ever, the intake of coffee among 18- to 24-year-olds is higher than their intake of soft drinks. Even more coffee is consumed by those 25 to 59 years of age. The average intake is approximately 3.2 cups per day. Coffee is one of the few beverages enjoyed alone. Now that the smaller pots are available, one can brew just one cup at a time and enjoy the freshness.

Here are a few tips for a quality brew. Buy the highest quality coffee bean you can afford. Sample beans from various regions or microclimates. They will have a very distinct flavor. Discover your favorite. If possible use the coffee bean within two weeks of the roasting date. Purchase the whole bean and grind them fresh for each pot you brew. Keep you coffee equipment clean. This preserves the flavor profile. Use a coffee maker that does not cook the coffee. Coffee makers that have a hot plate built into the unit will continue to heat and destroy the coffee profile. Use an insulated carafe to keep the coffee hot. Savor the flavor.

One hopeful area of coffee health research relates to type 2 diabetes. There have been studies completed around the world pointing out that regular coffee consumption is linked with a decreased rate of type 2 diabetes. Not sure why. It may be the caffeine. There is a chance it may slow the absorption of carbohydrates. 

There is some concern about over doing the intake of coffee. The old guideline is two cups of caffeine containing coffee per day. It was proposed by those concerned about fibroid breast tumors. These guidelines are currently being challenged but there are no new recommendations of how much is safe.

You have read about the antioxidant content of coffee. It is true, coffee does contain some antioxidants but it must be consumed within 10 minutes of brewing for the greatest benefit.

Coffee contains no calories. But, keep in mind that today’s coffee drinks often bear little resemblance to the simple brews that were once sipped. It is not uncommon to find a coffee beverage containing more than 500 calories because of the cream, sugar and flavoring oils added to the finished product.

One word of concern: Do not drink coffee and consider it water. Caffeine actually takes water out of the system. For every cup of coffee you drink, replace it with water. Keep yourself hydrated. 

We have much to learn about the effect of coffee on health. It does seem to appear we can enjoy that cup of coffee without guilt. So, enjoy.

For more information about any nutrition issues, please call Registered Dietitian Ellen Loftis at (479) 549-2425.