Is Coffee Bad for You?

Is Coffee Bad for You?

If you’ve watched the news at all in the last 10 years, then you know how mixed the message on coffee has been.

One study claims coffee is bad for you, while another claims it’s actually good for your health. So which is it? Is coffee really bad for you?

This article takes a closer look at the pros and cons of coffee drinking, based on research over the last 10 years or so. The truth is, there are some really good things about coffee, if you do it right and avoid becoming dependent on the black stuff.

We’ll start with the cons…

The Cons of Drinking Coffee

• Sleep Disturbance – If you’re a coffee drinker, you may already be aware of this one. The caffeine in coffee can definitely interfere with getting a good night’s sleep. But this is an easily preventable disadvantage – simply enjoy your cup of joe earlier in the day, or go with decaf at night.

• Dehydration – Also due to the caffeine, coffee is a mild diuretic (which increases the frequency of urination) and can dehydrate the body. This problem is easily fixed by having some water before or after your coffee.

• Dependence – Remember, caffeine is technically a drug, which means that your body can develop a dependence on it. People really do experience caffeine withdrawal. But don’t sweat it – in most cases, no serious addiction occurs, and caffeine has been deemed safe for consumption.

• Health Risks – There are a few health risks of coffee that have been suggested by researchers, including heartburn, acid reflux, irregular heartbeat, increased cholesterol, and increased blood pressure. In most cases, however, these effects are not common. It’s always good to be safe and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

The Pros of Drinking Coffee