In my (hundred thousandth) attempt to quit drinking coffee I have given in to the lure of the mystic drink again... and I feel great. My liver, mind, and nervous system are thanking me for the needed break from the caffeine, but they are also thanking me for the pick-me-up that was very much needed today.
I have been a consistent coffee drinker since I was 4... Yes that is right, and that could be the reason why the comfort of it is almost as important as food and water to me.But what are the benefits of coffee?
The Coffee Controversy
Coffee is so controversial and it seems like it will forever remain that way, so I wanted to share informative facts I came across during my research. Like I said, I am an advocate for coffee, but I also know just because one thing is "good" for one person does not mean it is good for another. Make an educated decision based on the knowledge of your own body chemistry.
According to Mayo Clinic many individuals used in studies showing coffee had ill effects on the body also smoked heavily which caused conflicting results. The website states there are many antioxidants in coffee may aid in preventing diseases like Parkinson's, type 2 Diabetes, and liver cancer. Although coffee contains these healthy nutrients, it is essential to consume the beverage in moderation.
Coffee, especially caffeinated coffee, may provide a myriad of health benefits, but the jury is still out. Drinking coffee in moderation is safe, but don't be fooled by sweetened beverages with coffee flavor. It's the coffee bean, not the cream and sugar, that may be good for you! Again, if coffee plagues you with side-effects, you should not start or continue drinking it for the purported health benefits.Gerard E. Mullin, M.D.
Can coffee be beneficial?
The Institute For Scientific Information On Coffee states some individuals sleep better when abstaining from caffeine, however the studies have not been very extensive in this area. They have found one cup of coffee a day is actually beneficial for mental stimulation and increased concentration without dehydrating the body. Caffeine is the questionable component of the drink, yet it does not affect the brain in the same manner as addictive substances and therefore cannot be considered as one. It can, however, cause withdrawal symptoms which may be uncomfortable. Symptoms include headache and fatigue but can be prevented by weaning yourself off of the caffeine.
The Harvard School of Public Health also has recent positive news about the benefits of coffee and talk about its misunderstood reputation. According to them it is most important to focus on major lifestyle changes, like exercise, if striving to be healthy. In a study of 130,000 volunteers, Dr. Rob van Dam found no link between coffee consumption and the mortality rate. This even included individuals who drank up to 6 cups a day.
Some other benefits are, according to Authority Nutrition are:
- Coffee Can Improve Energy Levels and Make You Smarter
- Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat
- The Caffeine Can Drastically Improve Physical Performance
- There Are Essential Nutrients in Coffee
- Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Coffee May Protect You From Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
- Coffee Appears to Have Protective Effects on The Liver
- Coffee Does Not Cause Heart Disease and May Lower The Risk of Stroke
Do your research
In conclusion, do your research to determine if coffee is right for you. If you choose to consume the delectable liquid, it's never a bad idea to take a break every now and then to detoxify the liver. For those who say coffee has never been your drink of choice, there are other ways to add a little extra comfort and (antioxidants) to each day.
If you're one who enjoys the blissful beverage just make sure to choose organic whenever possible and consume in moderation. It looks like there is no need to stress about quitting a habit that may actually have more pros than cons. Cheers to good news and a healthy way of life!
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) offers a Holistic Wellness Practitioner Diploma that can be completed on-line. The program currently offers four program choices with various specialty, concentration, and elective options for you to create your own Holistic Wellness business. Graduates of the Holistic Wellness Practitioner program offer start their own private coaching business, or excel in their current professional position.
The next Holistic Wellness Practitioner program is scheduled to start October 13th.
About the Author Heidi Zakeri
Heidi Zakeri was inspired to study holistic health by a close relative who nearly lost her battle to cancer with a 2% survival chance--It was whole, organic foods and prayer that she claims saved her life. For the past decade she has studied nutrition, energy, and observed the current changes happening in society. She feels she was guided to SWIHA after experiencing years of depression and health related issues. It is her life long goal to inspire others to love themselves and believe that miracles do indeed happen.
