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Environmental Nutrition: Is coffee bad for you?

By Andrea N. Giancoli, M.P.H., R.D. on

Environmental Nutrition

The once maligned beverage has emerged in recent years as a sort of health food, or rather drink. The public is taking notice as coffee consumption is on the rise. According to the National Coffee Association in 2017, 62 percent of Americans reported daily consumption, compared to 57 percent in 2016.

Coffee health buzz

This brew is a known stimulant due to its caffeine content. An average eight-ounce cup has about 95 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, with a range of 75 mg to 165 mg of caffeine, depending on the brew strength. The acute effects of coffee attributed to its caffeine content include increased alertness, mood improvement, temporary boost in metabolism, enhanced athletic performance, and reduced muscle fatigue.

Daily perks

Regular daily consumption of coffee is associated with a decreased risk of many chronic diseases. Last November, The BMJ published an extensive review of the scientific literature linking coffee consumption to multiple positive health outcomes. Chief among the findings were that daily coffee consumption seemed to lower risk of death from all causes. More specifically, the paper reported coffee decreased the risk of:

 

--Cardiovascular disease

--Some cancers, including prostate, liver, oral, endometrial, skin cancer and leukemia

--Type 2 diabetes

--Liver disease

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