(U-WIRE) NORMAL, Ill. — Several recent studies have shown that coffee might provide many health benefits. In addition to giving drinkers a strong start to the morning, coffee could also potentially reduce the risk of many diseases that might ail them later in life. The American Medical Association has released information stating that consistent coffee drinking may help lower the risk of diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver and heart disease.
This evidence, however, is not exactly changing the reputation that coffee has gained over the years.
“As a nutritionist, I’m going to tell you it’s not good for you,” Linda Schindler, dietary manager and food production professional, said.
It is not exactly known what ingredients cause the risk of these diseases to lower. The studies show that the caffeine in the coffee has little to do with the health benefits. Decaffeinated coffee showed many of the same results during the tests. Caffeine, the most notorious ingredient in coffee, is what most people would suspect as the cause of any physical or mental change.
Scientists are taking every approach to discover the true cause of this evidence. The reputation that coffee has gained is justifiable.
“Caffeine is often linked to blood pressure problems,” Schindler said. “It is also terrible for you if you have an ulcer.”
The question is, do the positive effects outweigh the negative?
These recent discoveries might come as a relief to many frequent coffee drinkers. Its addictive qualities have pulled millions of people into making it a daily habit. Tara Hypke, an Illinois State University junior art major and Level 4 student manager at the Cage II in the Bone Student Center, said she could see the addictive qualities at work. “During the summer, I saw the same frequent customers every day,” she said.
One explanation for the health benefits is the presence of antioxidants in the coffee that can control cell damage. This can help repair the areas that might cause the disease. “Tea is also full of antioxidants,” Schindler said.
The recent reports of these findings show many statistics stating strong evidence of the health benefits. One certain statistic states that people who consume four to six cups a day have a 28 percent less chance to develop diabetes than those who drank two or fewer cups.
Many drinkers start the habit during their high school and college years. These are the times they first feel like they need help starting off their day.
Starting at this young age gives the drinker plenty of time to reduce the risks of these diseases.
Coffee has long been grouped with other unhealthy habits. Its history dates back over 1,000 years. It has always been known to be an energy booster and a source of enjoyment, but has not been known to have many other appealing qualities. It is looked down upon as another bad habit that people develop. These recent discoveries may be pleasing for a number of frequent consumers.
Brennan McDowell, a sophomore English major, is a frequent coffee drinker. He often uses it to give him the energy to work his way through the day. Especially during the busy weeks in the school year, coffee gives him the boost to keep going. He was not completely convinced of the drink’s benefits.
“In the long run, you’ll probably have more stress in your life because you’re drinking coffee all the time. You’re always riled up,” he said. “I’m not old enough for heart attacks now, but when I am, I’ll be like ‘thank God I drank this,'” he said.