Coffee: the good, the bad and the ugly

The world's favourite drink has come under a lot of criticism for the negative effects it has on overall health, but has also been touted as being a panacea for all ills. How do you make sense of this? Here are ten reasons that sum up both the good and the bad sides of drinking coffee.

1. If you're the kind that exercises compulsively everyday and finds yourself tired, not only does coffee boost your energy levels, it has also been shown to reduce post-workout muscle pain by nearly 50pc !

2. The reason why coffee boosts your energy is because it contains caffeine. Caffeine, while it may feel really good in the short term, has also been accused of being the cause of sleep and anxiety disorders but also being a factor in the exacerbation of Parkinson's disease as well as increasing stress and ultimately causing caffeine dependency syndrome. It is important to remember that caffeine, like any substance, can become addictive.

3. Dietary fibre is important and drinking a cup of coffee everyday can be a part of your recommended fibre intake of 20 to 30 gms every day, since it provides nearly 2 grams of fibre.

4. Coffee acts as a diuretic on the system, and therefore can cause dehydration which leads to constipation.

5. Many people drink coffee on an empty stomach in the morning. This can be potentially harmful and coffee increases the level of stomach acid (already high in the morning) and can cause immediate stomach aches in some people.

6. Coffee drinking is said to reduce the risk of Type II diabetes, by virtue of the minerals it contains and its antioxidant properties. This conclusion is still in its nascent stages though, because not enough studies have been conducted to confirm it.

7. Coffee drinking seriously reduces the risk of developing gout in men, according to studies.

8. Coffee has a similar affect on teeth as nicotine. Drinking coffee over an extended period of time can lead to an individual developing yellow teeth and cavities, especially if large amounts of sugar are added to the drink. 

9. Coffee pumps up our stress hormones, and can cause palpitations, a rise in blood pressure and symptoms of anxiety. 

10. Coffee drinking also has a negative effect on sleep cycles by suppressing REM sleep and caffeine can prevent restful sleep.

As with any substance, coffee in moderation can provide benefits, while allowing you to bypass its harmful effects. Drink wisely!