Drinking coffee has potentially harmful effects on blood vessels, according to new research. Australian researchers presented data linking caffeine consumption with alterations in the aorta, the main artery supplying blood to the body.
In the study, 18 middle-aged healthy volunteers consumed 250 mg of caffeine (equivalent to 2 or 3 cups of coffee).
In another study of fifteen healthy volunteers, Swiss researchers measured blood pressure, heart rate and other parameters before and after drinking coffee (triple espresso), decaffeinated triple espresso, getting an intravenous infusion of caffeine, or placebo.
The results showed, for the first time, that coffee drinking results in a pronounced blood pressure increase, although this effect was only apparent in non-habitual coffee drinkers, but not in regular coffee drinkers.
22nd Congress of the European Society of Cardiology August, 2000
Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. While I believe that coffee and caffeine are far less dangerous than fruit juice or soda, it is still wise to limit, and if possible, eliminate its use.
This is becoming increasingly clear for women, as coffee should NEVER be consumed during pregnancy. It also appears that coffee consumption is associated with increased estrogen levels, which means an increase for breast and endometrial cancer.
Coffee has been previously associated with increased risk of stroke and rheumatoid arthritis.
One can use a product called Water Joe that is basically bottled water with caffeine added to help you wean off of the coffee. If you stop coffee cold turkey you will likely develop a severe headache from going through caffeine withdrawal.
If you simply MUST drink coffee here are a few tips to help reduce the chances of harmful effects:
Use organic coffee - Coffee is a heavily sprayed crop, so drinking organic coffee might reduce or eliminate the exposure to toxic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. The only drawback is that the countries where coffee is produced probably have less control and monitoring for compliance to organic practices. You will also be helping to protect the health of the people working in the coffee fields, as you will be helping to reduce their toxic exposure as well.
Avoid sugar and/or milk - These are actually much worse for you than the coffee itself. Don't compound the detrimental health effects by adding milk or sugar to your coffee.
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