Is coffee good for you ? Study

Many busy executive need a cup of java to pep up their day. But just how good is coffee? Let's find out.

More and more studies point to the advantages of drinking coffee regularly. Angelina R. Bustos, an assistant professor at the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food at U.P. Los Banos in the Philippines, looks at the benefits of this beverage.

1. IT LOWERS THE RISK FOR SEVERAL DISEASES

• Diabetes. Compared with non-coffee drinkers, people who drink six cups or more of caffeinated coffee daily have a diabetes risk that is lower by 54% for men and 30% for women, according to findings by Harvard researchers. Although the scientists cite the need for further research, their findings do not deviate much from those of less-publicized studies. Aside from caffeine, coffee is loaded with antioxidants and minerals that improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

• Parkinson's disease. At least six studies have found that regular coffee drinkers are up to 80% less likely to acquire Parkinson's, with three studies indicating that the more coffee is drunk, the lower the risk.

• Colon cancer, heart disease and liver cirrhosis. At least two cups of coffee per day can lower the risk of colon cancer by 25% and liver cirrhosis by 80%.

Coffee has antioxidants that protect cells against free radicals, which are implicated in cancer, heart disease and degenerative brain disorders.

• Gallstones. Coffee's ability to increase bile flow and inhibit biliary cholesterol from crystallising helps limit the formation of gallstones. 

2. IT HELPS TREAT VARIOUS AILMENTS.

• Headaches. Do you know that pain relievers contain up to 120 mg of caffeine in a single dose? That's roughly the same amount found in a mug of coffee!

"Caffeine is added to pain medications because it improves absorption in increasing pain-killing effects," explains Bustos.

Asthma. When an attack comes on, have a strong cup of coffee. Caffeine is chemically related to theophylline, a standard asthma medication that helps open airways. According to Bustos, drinking at least three cups a day may also reduce asthma attacks.

• Constipation. Caffeine has a bowel-loosening effect that stimulates the colon and induces bowel movement.

• Hang-over. Shorten the agony by drinking a cup or two of coffee. Caffeine is a vaso-constrictor that narrows the swollen blood vessels in the head

Just don't drink too much or you risk becoming more dehydrated because coffee, like alcohol, is a diuretic.

3. IT ENHANCES ATHLETIC ENDURANCE AND PERFORMANCE

Studies show that caffeine boosts strength and endurance. By consuming enough caffeine, you will likely be faster, stronger and last longer in physical activity. 

WORDS OF CAUTION

Despite its health benefits, coffee isn't for everyone. With some individuals, excessive coffee may not be tolerated well, increase cholesterol levels and aid in artery clogging.

And don't forget - coffee stains teeth.

And while recent studies show no considerable adverse effects on most healthy people, those with heart problems, are at risk for osteoporosis and are pregnant should regulate their coffee intake or avoid it altogether.

Until the issues surrounding coffee are resolved, the American Heart Association recommends moderation in consumption: so, stick to 1-2 cups a day.