Coffee…good or bad?

by Shane on 02/02/08 at 8:46 am
8 comments

Most great businesses were birthed on coffee (I just made that up, but I imagine it to be true). So we think we need it, and a day just isn’t quite the same without out it - but what is it really doing to our health? I probably drink about 5-6 cups a day and on a good day, it could be more, depending on how many meetings I’ve been to.

So, is coffee good or bad? I decided to do a bit of research on the net and discover the truth.

The Good:
1. Coffee has caffeine (surprise surprise). Caffeine is a stimulant to the heart and central nervous system, this is why we perk up after a cuppa. Perking up is good and it helps us do all the entrepreneurial things we need to do on a day to day basis. (“A 150 ml cup of instant coffee contains about 60mg caffeine and filter coffee contains about 85 mg.” [via])

2. Coffee drunk in moderation can offer you some health benefits – “coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, discourage the development of colon cancer, improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of liver damage in people at high risk for liver disease, and reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.” [via]

3. Antioxidants in coffee prevent free radicals from causing cell damage (I read this on Wikipedia so it must be true).

4. Freshly ground coffee is healthier than instant coffee.

The Bad:
1. Coffee is a diuretic which means that you will probably go to take a pee more often than you would if you were drinking water.

2. Coffee can increase your blood-pressure (short term), so for those who’s blood pressure is peaking already – you need to proceed with caution.

3. Coffee stains your teeth, which looks pretty crap and you may be mistaken for an Englishman.

4. Coffee is addictive (not quite like cocaine, but you will go through mild withdrawal symptoms if you try and kick it. ie. you might be called grumpy a couple times).

My Conclusion:
After reading the various articles on the health effects of coffee, the big thing that came through was that coffee, like so many other things is healthy if drunk in moderation. I tried to find what the suggested maximum cups per day was – it doesn’t seem to be very clear. Some say two cups is the maximum caffeine our bodies can process, others say 4 cups a day, who knows? I know when I’m over doing it – my brain starts to buzz and I feel a little light headed…so I’m thinking about 3-4 cups a day is my limit. You decide.

Shane Dryden is the 'Maven' at Ideate. The driving-force of Yuppiechef, Shane loves to write on advertising and innovation. He spots the non-obvious stuff behind the obvious, which seems obvious, but isn’t really that obvious (obviously). View more articles by Shane.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed, or follow @ideateblog on Twitter. Thanks for visiting!

8 Responses to “Coffee…good or bad?”

Fred

Feb 3rd, 2008

3-4 cups a day – sheesh! what a wus! I’m aiming for my personal record of 30 cups before lunch.

The guys in the studio with me are starting to file complaints.
Riaan

Feb 4th, 2008

I think 10 – 15 is what I average on a normal day. But what is worse is the amount of sugar you consume with each cup.

That is a whole lot of energy that enters your body and if you do not burn it, you become fat, you might start with insulin problems, etc, etc.

So maybe we need to take it down to at least 4 cups, for a start.
David Donde

Feb 6th, 2008

60 cups will kill ya!

Sugar in coffee? not if it is decent and made right!
Shane

Feb 6th, 2008

David, I need to come round for a bit of a tasting! If you can get me to drink coffee without sugar, I will be impressed! Keen for a Challenge?
Fred

Feb 7th, 2008

Shane – if anyone will do it, it’s the magicians at Origins.

David, make him understand…!
Brad

Oct 6th, 2008

well I must say that the better the coffee…the more people will drink it as well! I find the best to be tomeucci…an italian coffee thats now available in Cape Town! The site is http://www.tomeucci.co.za is any one whats to check it out!
Michael Thompson

Apr 5th, 2009

1. Where do I purchase dark full bodied coffee beans. I prefer a good French roast which is slightly bitter with a distinctive aroma.
2. Since I seem to have difficulty sourcing the French beans, maybe I must consider roasting my own blend. Who can reach me.
3. Roasted coffee beans in large bags on the shop floor is just not the way to store or display coffee.
Can any one help me please. I reside in Cape Town.
Shane

Apr 6th, 2009

Hi Michael

Try these guys: http://www.gourmetcoffeeroasters.co.za/

Entrepreneurs Thinking BIG: Business resources, tips, success stories, interviews and business ideas

Ideate