A CUP OF COFFEE AND YOUR HEALTH

The main ingredient in coffee is caffeine - a compound that naturally derives from over 60 different plant sources, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao seeds and cola nut seeds.

Caffeine acts as a stimulant by activating the central nervous system. It can combat tiredness and improve concentration and focus.

According to the University of Michigan Health Service, the stimulating effects of caffeine can start as early as 15 minutes after consumption and last up to 6 hours.

Other than coffee, caffeine is commonly consumed through tea; soft drink

s particularly energy drinks and chocolate.

 It is also found in some prescription and non-prescription drugs, such as cold, allergy and pain medication.

THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS

As well as its stimulating effects, caffeine has been heralded for providing an array of health benefits.

Some studies have suggested that drinking three or four cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of liver, mouth and throat cancer.

Last year, Medical News Today reported on a study suggesting that consuming three cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of liver cancer by 50%, while another study suggests that drinking four cups a day could reduce the risk of mouth and throat cancer.

Caffeine consumption has also been associated with positive effects on the brain.

Last year, a study from the Harvard School of Public Health suggested that drinking between two and four cups of coffee a day may reduce suicide risk in adults, while more recent research found that ingesting 200 mg of caffeine each day may boost long-term memory.

Other studies have also suggested that caffeine intake may protect against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Recent studies have generally found no connection between coffee and an increased risk of cancer or heart disease. In fact, most studies find an association between coffee consumption and decreased overall mortality and possibly cardiovascular mortality, although this may not be true in younger people who drink large amounts of coffee.

Why the apparent reversal in the thinking about coffee?

Earlier studies didn't always take into account that known high-risk behaviors, such as smoking and physical inactivity, tended to be more common among heavy coffee drinkers at that time.

Studies have shown that coffee may have health benefits, including protecting against Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disease, including liver cancer. It also appears to improve cognitive function and decrease the risk of depression.

However, the research appears to bear out some risks. High consumption of unfiltered coffee (boiled or espresso) has been associated with mild elevations in cholesterol levels. And some studies found that two or more cups of coffee a day can increase the risk of heart disease in people with a specific — and fairly common — genetic mutation that slows the breakdown of caffeine in the body. So, how quickly you metabolize coffee may affect your health risk.

Although coffee may have fewer risks compared with benefits, keep in mind that other beverages, such as milk and some fruit juices, contain nutrients that coffee does not. Also, adding cream and sugar to your coffee adds more fat and calories. Some coffee drinks contain more than 500 calories.