TIRET October 2012 Issue - MIDROC Ethiopia

isks among those predisposed of to
the disease (coffee science. org).
Other studies also disclosed that
coffee may help to reduce the risk of
a number of other diseases including
Parkinsons disease, colon cancer,
cirrhosis, gallstones, depression etc.
David. A Meyerson, MD, a cardiologist
at John Hopkins University and
National spokesperson for the
American Heart Association
(AHA) states that coffee does
not promote the development of
atherosclerosis. According to AHA,
no study has demonstrated that
caffeine encourages or accelerates
atherosclerosis. The AHA report
also stated that although many
studies have tried to find a direct link
between heart disease and coffee,
the scientific evidence is conflicting
and the results are inconsistent
(National Coffee Association of
America, NCA, USA).
Although some literature on coffee
reveals the following benefits of
drinking coffee, the benefits can not
be taken for granted, it should be
dealt with caution.
• It helps to manage asthma
and even control attacks when
medication is not available.
• Some studies showed that
coffee reduced the risk of
prostate cancer and another
study showed that it could
protect people from the onset
of Alzheimer.
• Coffee can stop a headache
and boost mood
• Coffee is a good source of
potassium, magnesium and
fluoride.
• The National Cancer Institute
of Japan in Tokyo found that
the people drinking coffee daily
avoided half the liver cancer
risks more than those who
never took coffee.
Major Medical Centers and
Universities are contributing to our
knowledge about what components
in coffee help in the disease
fighting process. Accordingly, the
studies show that coffee has more
than 1000 components of which
caffeine is one of them. Many
of the components have potent
antioxidants like chlorogenic acids.
The health benefit of antioxidants is
broader since the compound they
contain helps to fight diseases.
The German scientists have
identified a powerful antioxidant
which is found exclusively in coffee
that is believed to protect people
from colon cancer.
Caffeine is also the most prominent
component in coffee whose major
benefits are keeping one awake,
alert and energetic. It boosts energy
and reduces fatigue.
It is indicated in various studies that
up to 400 mg caffeine per day for
a healthy person, is fine. A normal
cup of coffee has about 140 mg
caffeine and the recommended
amount per day of 400mg caffeine
is equivalent to about 3 to 4 cups
of coffee depending on the size of
cups and coffee concentration.
It is reported that caffeine in
coffee improves performance
and endurance during prolonged
exercise. It is said that two cups of
coffee is all it takes to overcome
fatigue and feel alert again.
Research continues everyday
on coffee, caffeine and health.
Following this, hundreds of new
studies are published every month
by scientists and research institutes
mainly in USA, Europe, Japan and
Brazil.
The National Coffee Association of
America (NCA) has a committee of
scientists and doctors who monitor
and analyze regularly the scientific
literature on coffee research
findings.
Overall, the scientific studies so far
have shown that coffee is beneficial
than it is harmful. Thus taken
moderately 3 to 4 cups of coffee
per day has no harm but benefits.
Tom De Paul, PhD research scientist
of the Institute of Coffee Studies at
Vanderbilt University has said, “For
most people very little bad comes
from drinking coffee but a lot of
good”. Prominent scientists and
researchers assure us that moderate
coffee drinking poses no health
problems. And it is rather more
beneficial.
The writer of this article, wishes our
readers a good cup of Ethiopian
coffee which is world wide known
for its unique aroma and flavor,
balanced body and acidity. But take
it moderately as recommended.
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
FACT: Do you know that over
one billion cups of coffee is
consumed daily in the world?
TireT October 2012 49