IS COFFEE HEALTHY?
I break down some of the pros and cons:
????REDUCES RISK OF DEATH?
Moderate coffee consumption (e.g. 2-4 cups/day) was associated with reduced all-cause and cause-specific mortality, compared to no coffee consumption.
????REDUCES RISK OF CANCER?
Mounting evidence indicates that 2 cups of coffee per day may protect against liver injury and lower the risk of liver cancer, and similary with prostate and post-menopausal breast cancer.
????REDUCES RISK OF COGNITIVE DISORDERS?
Drinking 1-2 cups of coffee per day was found to have the lowest risk of developing cognitive disorders compared to < 1 cup or > 3 cups per day.
The downside:
????HIGH IN PESTICIDES/MYCOTOXINS
One of the highest pesticide-sprayed crops, with no maximum spraying limit in some countries, go for organic mycotoxin-free since coffee beans can produce mold byproducts (aflatoxin, ochratoxin A) during pre-harvest and storage -- serious health hazards.
????PREGNANCY RISK
Researchers found significantly reduced birth weight and size in infants whose mothers consumed 200mg of caffeine per day (~2 cups of coffee), putting infants at higher risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes later in life.
????DISRUPTS SLEEP & INCREASES ANXIETY
Coffee is a stimulant with a half life of ~6 hours in healthy liver function, meaning drinking 2 cups at 3pm, will have ~100mg+ caffeine at 9pm depending on liver detox capability or medications taken (e.g. birth control doubles the half life).
????REDUCES IRON ABSORPTION
Drinking coffee with food or an hour after a meal inhibits iron absorption in a dose-dependent manner. The higher the coffee consumption or strength, the less iron is absorbed from food.
????TAKEAWAY:
Organic, mycotoxin-free coffee, when consumed moderately away from food, can act as a pro-longevity beverage, improve wellbeing (in those not prone to anxiety, pregnant or post-menopausal) and fortify human health.
Are you a coffee drinker?
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