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The truth about coffee
(CBS) Nothing like the smell of coffee to start off the day!
With so many studies out there about coffee, it's hard to remember whether our morning cup of Joe does the body any good -- or harm.
On The Early Show Monday, Dr. Holly Phillips of CBS station WCBS-TV in New York went through some commonly-circulated beliefs about the health effects of one of the nation's most popular beverages.
IS COFFEE GOOD FOR YOU?
Well, I would have to say, all things in moderation. There do definitely seem to be some health benefits. The more we're learning, research is leaning on the side of it being good for you. It lowers the risk of Parkinson's disease and Type 2 diabetes. It mediates depression. But the benefits are dose-related.
SHOULD CHILDREN BE DRINKING COFFEE?
It's better to limit their caffeine intake. They'll get caffeine in other things -- chocolate, sodas, but particularly in kids, it's linked to attention problems and hyperactivity, so it's better to avoid it.
COFFEE IS DEHYDRATING. TRUE OR FALSE?
It depends on the dose. We think of coffee as a diuretic. But recent studies have shown it's only a diuretic at high doses -- above 575 milligrams. Have some water if you exceed that amount.
HOW MUCH IS THAT?
575 milligrams is a little less than three cups of coffee, but that's three regular size cups. But we have to remember the cups we have nowadays are big cups. So, it's easy to have more than 575 milligrams.
COFFEE INCREASES HYPERTENSION. TRUE OR FALSE?
Coffee does increase your blood pressure, but only for a few minutes. What's interesting is that recent studies show it doesn't increase your likelihood of getting hypertension. I would caution that anyone who has high blood pressure that's not under control should avoid caffeine.
COFFEE HELPS WEIGHT LOSS
Unfortunately, this doesn't work. Caffeine does speed up your metabolism for awhile but, in long-term studies, people who drank coffee had no better weight control than people who didn't.
DOES COFFEE ACCELERATE BONE LOSS?
This one is a little controversial. It doesn't make our body lose more calcium or lose calcium from the bones, but some studies have shown coffee drinkers do have more brittle bones. I suggest all of my patients, especially women, supplement with a calcium supplement or, if you're going to have a great deal of coffee, make sure you put some milk in your coffee. (CBS) Nothing like the smell of coffee to start off the day! ... more -
A Brain On Caffeine // Comment Picked for TV
Thanks to bdphvb from the University of Missouri, hynese from Boston University, and manosalon from City College of New York for their comments on the pod, "A Brain on Caffeine." Take a look and find out what role caffeine plays in each of their lives.
After you watch, follow the link below and view the original pod which generated their comments:
http://current.com/items/76310262_a_brain_on_caffeine Thanks to bdphvb from the University of Missouri, hynese from Boston University, and manosalon from City College of New York for their... more -
Neurochemical stimulant could replace caffeine
Like the alertness boost that you get from caffeine, but not so keen on the lowered lifespan, chemical addiction, and other unpleasant side effects? Ampakines are the way to go.
Unlike earlier stimulants (e.g. caffeine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and the amphetamines), ampakines do not seem to have unpleasant, long-lasting side effects such as sleeplessness.
They are currently being investigated as potential treatment for a range of conditions involving mental disability such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia or neurological disorders as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), among others. In a 2006 study they were shown to have an effect after they had left the body, continuing to enhance learning and memory.
Ampakines are getting through the FDA examination process much faster than most drugs would due to help from the Department of Defense for use as a combat drug, although one of the biggest users in the future could be scruffy college kids just like you. Expect to see energy drinks loaded with Ampakines soon. Like the alertness boost that you get from caffeine, but not so keen on the lowered lifespan, chemical addiction, and other unpleasant... more -
Women: drink coffee, it is good for you!
And the effect was strongest in women: those who drank two to five cups of coffee a day were up to 26 per cent less likely to die than abstainers - mainly because of a lower risk of death from heart disease. And the effect was strongest in women: those who drank two to five cups of coffee a day were up to 26 per cent less likely to die than... more
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Water Over the Bridge, part II
the follow-up to first installment of this tryptic about the hidden journey of that little but well know source of caffeine -coffee arabica... the follow-up to first installment of this tryptic about the hidden journey of that little but well know source of caffeine -coffee ar... more
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A Brain on Caffeine // Comment Picked for TV
Check out whatabumbum's thoughts on quitting coffee after watching "A Brain on Caffeine." Thanks for the upload! Here's the pod: http://current.com/items/76310262_a_brain_on_caffeine Check out whatabumbum's thoughts on quitting coffee after watching "A Brain on Caffeine." Thanks for the upload! Here... more
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The Health, Beauty And Weight Loss Secrets of Tea
Our favorite camellia sinensis-pusher Dr. Tea explains how the three magic compounds found in tea (caffeine, L-theanin and EGCG) work together to promote health, beauty and weight loss. Our favorite camellia sinensis-pusher Dr. Tea explains how the three magic compounds found in tea (caffeine, L-theanin and EGCG) work ... more
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Daily caffeine 'protects brain'
Just one cup a day keeps the dementia away.
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Caffeine: A user's guide to getting optimally wired
My preferred method: Espresso beans soaked in everclear, via an IV drip. Or Philz (http://philzcoffee.com/) works too.
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A critical look at energy drinks
Which energy drink packs the most punch? Don't have time to drink them all to find out (and you like being able to sleep)? Then check out this article! Which energy drink packs the most punch? Don't have time to drink them all to find out (and you like being able to sleep)? Then... more
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Breakfast of champions
What goes better with a Coke Black (the Coke that comes with coffee in it) than a Snickers bar? How about a SUPER CHARGED Snickers bar packed with 60 milligrams of caffeine, taurine and other B vitamins!
Thanks, America. You totally rule! What goes better with a Coke Black (the Coke that comes with coffee in it) than a Snickers bar? How about a SUPER CHARGED Snickers ba... more -
Too much of a good thing: Caffeine
New study says that too much caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage. For the coffee lover out there, you can still drink coffee, just not too much (read the article for details). Moderation in everything right? You can't go wrong. New study says that too much caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage. For the coffee lover out there, you can s... more
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Boost Your Wifi With A Soda Can
Apartment Therapy pointed out these directions on Metacafe for boosting your wifi signal with a soda can. They didn't test the instructions so if you try this out, leave a comment with your results. Apartment Therapy pointed out these directions on Metacafe for boosting your wifi signal with a soda can. They didn't test the in... more
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Are You Highly Caffeinated?
Probably, if you live in Chicago. A new study ranks the top 20 most caffeine-addicted cities in America.
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Chicago is the Most Caffeinated U.S. City
"The windy city is also the most wired, according to a survey that showed people in Chicago are the most caffeinated in the United States.
Chicagoans eat more chocolate and drink more cola than other U.S. urbanites, and are among the top consumers of energy drinks and coffee."
Dang Chicago! Why u so sleepy?
San Francisco being at the bottom of the list in caffeine consumption is a bit surprising, no? "The windy city is also the most wired, according to a survey that showed people in Chicago are the most caffeinated in the Unite... more -
Dubious Decaf
Its long been known that the decaffeinating process doesnt eliminate 100 percent of the caffeine in coffee, but there are no standards for acceptable levels in brewed decaf. And a recent study has shown caffeine is showing up where you'd least expect it. Its long been known that the decaffeinating process doesnt eliminate 100 percent of the caffeine in coffee, but there are no standar... more
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Perk Up, it's Not Decaf!
While most people know that decaf coffees and teas still contain some caffeine, you'll be surprised to find out which coffee hot spots are serving you decaf that's no different than a regular coca-cola.
And I thought I was being good to my body...yikes. While most people know that decaf coffees and teas still contain some caffeine, you'll be surprised to find out which coffee hot ... more -
Get Blissed Out On Caffeine And Perhaps Prevent Cellulite And Cancer Too
by Nicole
New research has found that a low to moderate intake of caffeine beverages along with exercise may help prevent sun damage and skin cancer. In a study conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, UVB-exposed mice that ran on a running wheel and drank caffeinated water showed a 400% increase in apoptosis, a mechanism in which UVB-damaged cells commit suicide rather than progressing to possible pre-cancerous stages. Control groups of caffeine drinking-only and exercise-only mice showed an increase in apoptosis of 95% and 120% respectively.
An earlier study at the same university, published in 2002, found that when caffeine was applied topically to the skin of mice it had similar cancer fighting properties. Cancerous tumors were reduced by a dramatic 72%, while benign tumors decreased by 44%. It should be noted the study only related to squamous-cell carcinomas and not the more deadly melanoma.
While more research is needed to see whether these results will translate from mice to humans, caffeine is the new it ingredient in beauty products such as Bliss Spas Love Handler. Though the caffeine-rich formula wasnt tested for any cancer fighting properties, in clinical studies it did have other benefits. It was shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite, and bloating in the abdominal area, in a significant proportion of those tested. So drink up, slap it on, and dont forget to exercise too.
Love Handler costs $36 for an 8 oz bottle and can be found at your nearest Bliss Spa or online at Blissworld.
http://www.dailymantra.com
http://www.myspace.com/thedailymantra by Nicole ... more -
A Brain On Caffeine
Angela Sun undergoes a brain scan to see her brain activity on and off caffeine.
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