Spilling The Beans

It’s good for you, it’s bad for you. Toufiq Rashid uncovers the mysteries of coffee

An early morning black, a mid-morning cappuccino, a post-lunch latte, an evening espresso, and a dessert coffee. Whatever would we do without our daily dose of beans? Oh, yes, we know Tony Blair attributed his recent heart scare to the consumption of strong Continental coffee, but is that really reason enough for us to go slow? Yes and no, say the nutritionists.

First, the pros.

“The benefits or otherwise depend entirely on the amount of coffee drunk,’’ says diet diva Shikha Sharma. “If drunk in moderation, it does have positive spin-offs.’’ Moderation can be read as 24 oz, or about three cups.

• Some recent reports associate coffee consumption with a reduction in risks of colon cancer and bladder cancer. This is attributed to coffee’s phenol content.
• Those prone to asthma and allergy attacks derive relief from coffee in case of an attack if no medication is available immediately.
• According to a 10-year study at the University of Bristol, a cup of coffee helped when it came to performing tasks requiring sustained focus, especially in the ‘low’ periods in the daily cycle: after lunch or at night.

There’s more good coffee does for you.

Coffee beats green tea four times over when it comes to health-boosting antioxidants, which can help prevent or postpone onset of degenerative diseases.

This conclusion, the result of a study conducted by the Lausanne-based Nestle Research Centre, is based on a comparison of the effects of green tea, cocoa, herbal teas and coffee on antioxidant activity. “These beverages have a significant antioxidant activity, the highest being soluble coffee on a cup-serving basis,’’ it says.

Antioxidants?

“They can lead to increased immunity and help in the prevention of disease,’’ says Dr Sharma. Antioxidants reduce the impact of harmful substances known as free radicals on the body. The free radicals are regarded as a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, cancer, cataracts and decline of the immune and nervous systems.

Does it get better?

Unfortunately, no. “Over-consumption can cause acidity, gas, palpitation, increase in blood pressure and migraine in some people,’’ warns Dr Sharma.

Several studies have held coffee responsible for an increase in cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease. Much of the risk depends on the way it is made. Brewed coffee (involving boiling the coffee), the traditional method, is said to be the biggest culprit. Experts add that people who drink more than three mugs a day could get withdrawal symptoms-like headaches-on abstention.

So how should the coffee be taken?

One or two cups a day, certainly not more than three. And see what goes into the coffee. Many coffees at coffee bars are made with full-fat milk and cream, which will boost calorie and fat intake.

Ayurvedic Advice

Dr Sharma, a firm believer in Ayurveda, suggests you drink coffee according to the body composition group (dosha) you belong to:

• Kapha: This group comprises slow starters who suffer from water retention and have a problem getting up in the morning. Strong black coffee is recommended.
• Vata: With their delicate nervous systems and irritable natures and dry skins, they should stick to light, milky coffee.
• Pita: They can have their moderate mug, not too strong, not too light.

Whilst travelling

While travelling, especially on flights, coffee must be drunk only in moderation as they cause dehydration. The outside air supplied to the aircraft cabin is very low in humidity. This lack of moisture in the air can result in your eyes, nose and throat feeling very dry. To minimise these effects, try to drink plenty of water and fruit juices. Coffee, tea and alcohol cause dehydration, so drink these only in moderation.