标题: [分享] The Pros And Cons Of Coffee [打印本页] 作者: toprod 时间: 2008-2-24 08:46 标题: The Pros And Cons Of Coffee
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world.
Humankind fell in love with the rich aromatic flavour of coffee ever since the beans were first discovered. For 500 years, this hot beverage has been the most popular method of caffeine consumption. The coffee bean is, after all, the number two most popular item of trade (only behind oil). Perhaps coffee is so universal because it seems to fit almost every social situation; morning, afternoon or evening; casual gathering or formal affair; at home with family or in a café with friends. It is a delicious alternative to wine or beer. It is conducive to conversation and relaxation. There is a style or brew that appeals to almost everyone’s taste.
Although there is no arguing coffee’s longstanding popularity, there is controversy surrounding its effects on health. As with many things we enjoy in our everyday lives, we question whether coffee is good for us. Here are some arguments that represent both sides of the coffee bean.
The Pros
Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating supports the fact that coffee is not bad for you at all. It states that “the general population of healthy adults is not at risk for potential adverse effects from caffeine if they limit their caffeine intake to 400 mg per day.” Small amounts of caffeine may actually be quite advantageous. However, women of childbearing age and children are at greater risk and should take precautionary measures in consuming caffeine.
Check out these potential benefits:
Improves Mood
As soon as the smell of freshly brewed coffee hits my nose in the morning, my moodiness fades away. Most coffee lovers will agree that it can instantly lift your mood. A study by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore found that caffeine made subjects more energetic, confident and ready to work.
Excellent Stimulant
We all need a jolt of energy every now and then. Despite the potential negative impact on health, coffee is still the most popular ‘upper’ on the market. Coffee helps you stay alert because the caffeine competes with a calming body chemical called adenosine, and produces the opposite effect. Studies show that night workers are less prone to accidents and errors if they drink coffee.
Relieves Pain
Many people swear that a satisfying cup of coffee can cure a headache. Some U.S. studies claim that caffeine works faster than ibuprofen in curing participants’ headaches. Other studies show that caffeine can help reduce exercise-induced muscle pain, allowing you to push yourself harder and longer.
Blood Sugar Benefits
A recent study by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health and Women’s Hospital suggests that drinking more coffee could reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20 to 30 per cent. Experts suspect that coffee’s antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, deserve the credit. Coffee may help promote the delivery of insulin to tissues.
The Cons
Coffee has no real nutritional value, unless you add cream or milk to it. In moderation, it doesn’t have any adverse health effects. However, an excess may cause the following problems:
Addiction
Caffeine is addictive, and how this addiction affects a person depends on age and body weight. Decaf helps lower the risk of developing dependency, while stronger brews will accelerate the addiction. Once a person is addicted, cutting coffee out can result in withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, drowsiness, depression, constipation and loss of appetite.
Stained Teeth
Just like drinking coffee over a long period of time in the same favourite mug will leave stains in it, it will also colour your pearly whites. The dark colour of the coffee bean sinks into the teeth and discolours them, turning them a darker, yellow shade.
Bad Breath and After Taste
Although it tastes great going down, give it about 15 minutes and that distinct coffee flavour can turn foul on the tongue. Coffee lovers should always have a supply of mints or gum on hand, especially after a coffee break in the office.
Raised Stress Levels
The caffeine in coffee stimulates adrenal glands, which increases one’s stress levels for up to 18 hours. If you work in an already stressful environment or profession, drinking coffee can increase anxiety.
Stomach Problems
Some reports claim that coffee can induce heartburn, stomach ulcers and impair digestion by raising stomach acidity levels. It may not be quite this severe, but many individuals experience stomach problems after drinking coffee. In most, it is just a little gas or discomfort.
______________________ coffee time!
The most recent evidence seems to say that coffee is not bad for you, unless you abuse it. As with anything else, it has drawbacks, but it offers enough good points to make it a worthwhile drink. So, next time you order a double-double, don’t feel guilty. Just enjoy it!作者: 一年 时间: 2008-2-25 09:23
I wish I could, but I really don't have the time~~
BTW, don't you think members should be encouraged to
use as much foreign languages here as possible?
(应不应该鼓励会员在这里尽量用外语呢？) 作者: chenzhuzhang 时间: 2008-2-27 12:45
really a good article for the detailed informaiton of coffee,coffee bean.
Thanks a lot!
And I also suggest that all the members in here can type all there words in English.
Because English is for using,why not try to read,write,speak it.
