College students and coffee go hand in hand; literally. Sure, the caffeine can give you a burst of energy after pulling an all-nighter in the library, but once you get started, coffee becomes an addiction.
For those who are self-claimed addicts, research has provided evidence that there are potential health benefits to drinking coffee in moderation.
In a number of studies, participants who drank coffee had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, dementia, certain cancers, heart rhythm disturbances and stroke.
The reason behind these superpowers is the fact that coffee beans are full of antioxidants. Aging, smoking, drinking and tanning cause the body to produce free radicals, capable of causing cellular damage. The consumption of antioxidants works to fight off these free radicals, and is considered to play a part in disease prevention. Coffee beans also contain minerals like magnesium and chromium, helping the body to properly use insulin to regulate blood sugar level. However, despite these results, there are major flaws in coffee studies. Some studies base their results off of a participant’s coffee habits, rather than administering their drinking, while others fail to take into account factors like diet and genes.
The negative effects to coffee consumption include an increase in blood pressure and adrenaline levels. Its acidity can worsen heartburn symptoms and being a diuretic, it can cause frequent urination. In terms of calories, a cup of brewed coffee alone has a mere 2 calories. However, adding cream, sugar, flavoring, and special blends into the mix, and this beverage can consume a significant chunk of your daily calories.
Au Bon Pain’s Iced Mocha Latte has 300 calories and 14 grams of fat, Panera’s Mocha frozen drink has 570 calories and 20 grams of fat, McDonald’s McCafe Frappe Mocha has 560 calories and 24 grams of fat, and Starbucks Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino Blended Beverage has 500 calories and 9 grams of fat.
So, the next time you find yourself strolling around campus with a cup of Joe in tow, remember that this beverage has the potential to do more good than providing energy, if and only if it is consumed in moderation. However, for those of you, who have yet to join the “coffee drinkers club,” you do not need to change your ways. For every cup of coffee, there are dozens of other foods, specifically fruits and vegetables that are just as tasty, and equally rich sources of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
For more information, check out the following websites!
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/coffee-new-health-food
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0406c.shtml
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/5-surprisingly-healthy-foods
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/vitamins-minerals/how-d…
http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/health/how-many-calories-in-your-c…
http://www.aubonpain.com/menu/food.aspx?s=cafe_beverages&f=284