Is Coffee Good for You?

Bad Rap

Coffee has typically been given a bad rap because of the caffeine it contains, which does indeed kick our adrenal glands and cause them to release cortisol, our main stress hormone.  However, for the amount that most consume, the effects appear to be minor and there seems to be more pros than cons to consuming this beverage of choice for so many.

What's in It?

Coffee contains multiple vitamins and minerals essential to optimal health.  They include: Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium and Niacin; these nutrients are derived from the coffee and most are retained in the brewing process.  It is now being indicating that caffeine does in fact of possess a stimulatory effect on metabolic rate so it can, therefore, encourage more efficient fat burning.

Also, the fact that caffeine assists in increasing adrenaline levels, encourages fatty acids to be released from tissues to be burned for energy.  However, studies are now showing that possibly these effects will diminish in long term coffee drinkers.  One way coffee has a stimulant effect is that the caffeine coffee contains blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. This improves energy levels, mood and various aspects of brain function.

You Get Used to It

Some coffee drinkers may notice a slight increase in blood pressure initially.  However, again, overtime, the effect seems to diminish, as the body becomes accustomed to the drink.  Regular coffee drinkers have been found to exhibit a slightly lower risk of stroke.  Lastly, Michael Yassa, assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins, and his team of scientists found that caffeine has a positive effect on long-term memory in humans. Their research, published by the journal Nature Neuroscience, shows that caffeine enhances certain memories at least up to 24 hours after it is consumed.

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