How Coffee Affects Your Health

We seem to hear different things from the medical community every few years about either the positive or negative effect that coffee has on our health. So what is the most current information? Is coffee good or bad for your health? The answer, in short, is that it’s a little of both.

Too much coffee can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure, anxiety and upset stomach, in addition to its ability to become addictive. And don’t forget that added cream and sugar contribute to weight gain. For example, a 24-ounce Starbucks venti double chocolate chip frappucino contains a mind-boggling 520 calories!

Despite these drawbacks, moderate coffee consumption can actually have a protective effect, helping to reduce your risk of many problems, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, liver cancer, gallstones and Type 2 diabetes, to name a few. It can also lower the risk of stroke in women.

Current research has indicated that there is no increased risk of heart disease or cancer from moderate coffee drinking. The studies done earlier that reached that conclusion were flawed in that they did not take into consideration other lifestyle habits that went along with increased coffee drinking, such as smoking and lack of exercise, two major causes of these diseases. In fact, coffee has been shown to protect against many kinds of cancer.

A recent study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that there was a 25 percent reduction in cases of endometrial cancer in women who drank four or more cups of coffee per day. Scientists believe this may be due to the fact that coffee has the ability to lower concentrations of free estradiol and insulin, in addition to the cancer-fighting effect of coffee’s antioxidant phenols.

Even a few cups of coffee every day can cut men’s risk of developing prostate cancer by 30 percent, with those consuming six cups of coffee a day reducing their risk of a dangerous form of the cancer by a whopping 60 percent.

Coffee also reduces your risk of developing basal cell carcinoma by up to 20 percent, according to scientists from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Another study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women who drink coffee (four cups per day) have a 20 percent lower risk of depression than those who drink no coffee at all.

It is recommended that you get no more than 500-600 mg of caffeine intake per day, the equivalent of about 6 to 8 cups of brewed coffee. Obviously, the amount of caffeine in a cup of espresso will be more than that in the equivalent amount drip coffee.

The key point to keep in mind is to consume coffee in moderate amounts, especially if you are pregnant. But all in all, the benefits of coffee consumption far outweigh the risks for most people, so grab a café grande and drink up!

Nutrition is a very complex and our understanding of it is constantly evolving. If you have questions about your current nutrition or supplement plan, please ask. We are here to help!

Joyeuses Fetes… 节日快乐… Happy Holidays…

 

Give the gift of time, love and respect this holiday season…

Today I would like to share with you a reminder from Hayley Hobson of what the holidays are really about. All of us have to remember that our time in this world has a beginning and an end, and that our most valuable possession is our time. I believe that when we realize our mortality, we suddenly look at our daily life with a different perspective, and we start to cherish the air we breathe, the water we drink, a pretty view, the smile of our love ones and even the little annoyances of our daily life. Hayley’s message is clear: Life will end, and the only lasting gift is coming from deep inside, not from your wallet.

Thank you Hayley for your words of Wisdom:

“We’re right smack in the middle of it.  The holiday season is here.  The day after Thanksgiving arrives and the madness begins.  You’ve probably  been mulling over what you should buy for your friends and family.  There are so many great gifts out there from cool kitchen tools to sexy yoga apparel to inspiring how-to books.  You may be thinking about surprising your mom with the new iPhone 5 or your sister-in-law, whose on a health kick now, with a Vitamix.  It sure isn’t difficult to spend a small fortune on the latest and greatest gadgets and products.

But before you head the door for your next shopping spree or log back onto your favorite online store, take a moment to remember what the holidays are really about.

This is the season for giving and giving does not have to mean you have to empty your bank account.  The greatest gifts you can give to anyone you love are your time, your love, your respect and your heart.

If you’re wondering what to get that person who has it all or you’re coveting a new gift for yourself, I encourage you to share one of these feel good gifts.

Your Time is indeed precious to you and therefore, a truly valuable gift.  I’m sure my father does not remember the golf clubs I got him for his 60^th birthday but I’m sure he does remember the fact that I flew my entire family across the country for his retirement party 3 years ago.  There are some things money just cannot buy, and in the long run our memories are far more valuable than any material goods we receive.

When you do you share your time with people you care about, they will always keep and treasure the memories you made with them. Whether it is taking the time to read a book to your child before bed or taking an hour out of your busy day to catch up with your BFF, there is no such thing as needing a receipt to return time!

Remember that it’s OK to give yourself the gift of time as well.  Instead of treating yourself to a new pair of shoes, how about “giving” yourself some “me” time? Being selfish is okay once and awhile! You can definitely feel OK about saying no to yet another holiday party if you need an evening to rest and recuperate from a busy week.

Giving your heart is one of the best gifts you can give. If you have a friend whose been going through a hard time, be there to listen and provide sympathy. This gift will surely be more appreciated than a gift certificate for a facial.

Someone that may not have made it onto your shopping list this year is an ex-friend – someone with whom you were once close, but for some reason cut ties. Give forgiveness this season. Recognize that we all make mistakes.

Your daughter may be dying for the Disney princesses, but the most valuable gift you can give her is being a role model. Your children will become you so be someone they can look up to and be proud to call their parent.

A gift that many of us desperately need but may not even know we need it is respect. Respect your body by nourishing it with healthful foods. Respect your soul by taking time each day to breathe and reflect. Respect the planet, too, by being more mindful about recycling. Reuse what you can from last year before buying something new.

So whether you’re giving a friend or family member that special gift you’ve picked out or whether you’re giving your valuable time and care, remember this season is about love above all else. Give from your heart and with your best intentions and you can’t go wrong.“

by Hayley on December 21, 2012

Hayley Hobson is a yogi, Pilates and nutrition expert based in Boulder, CO. Hayley creates lifestyle transformations by coaching her clients to strengthen, nourish and evolve through the cycles and shifts in life. Combining cutting edge understanding in all three disciplines due to years of anatomical study and dietary theory, Hayley’s approach leverages their blended benefits and results. Her unique and intelligent style promotes strengthening while softening–empowering her client’s to heal not only their physical bodies, but their hearts and minds as well. To learn more about classes, workshops and custom programs go to hayleyhobson.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.