Coffee: The Most Controversial Superfood

Written by Mat Lecompte
Published on

Beautiful cup of espresso with cream and foam, capsule coffee.The scent of fresh coffee and eggs fill my kitchen every morning. To some, that might sound like an unhealthy breakfast. To others, it can’t get much better.

There is no doubt that coffee and eggs are two of the most controversial foods out there. Eggs because of the cholesterol content, and coffee because of the caffeine.

But the overwhelming amount of data suggests that these two items are not only safe, but they offer a host of health benefits. Personally, I’d go right ahead and offer superfood status to both.

New data is offering even more support for coffee.

A recent study has shown that drinking up to three cups per day – considered light to moderate consumption – may lower the risk of stroke, fatal heart disease, and all-cause death.

Researchers also found that many types of coffee – caffeinated, decaf, brewed, and instant – may offer heart benefits.

Throughout the 15-year study period, those who drank coffee had a 12 percent lower risk of all-cause death, 21 percent lower risk of stroke, and a 17 percent risk reduction in fatal heart disease, compared to non-coffee drinkers.

The researchers also found that regular coffee drinkers had healthier, better functioning hearts, a likely factor in the outcomes mentioned above.

If you’re feeling great about your morning routine and cup of joe, keep one thing in mind: those benefits can be slashed if you add too much to it.

Sweeteners like sugar and syrups can devalue your coffee and end up promoting heart-related health conditions. Add sweeteners sparingly, and if you like the taste of black coffee, even better!

The only other things to think about are assessing caffeine tolerance and when you drink it.

Personally, two cups in the morning are good for me. My caffeine tolerance is relatively low and even two cups, drunk too fast, can get me going a little too fast. I also can’t drink it in the afternoon if I plan on getting a good night’s sleep!

If caffeine makes you anxious, experiment to find your sweet spot, or try decaf options.

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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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