Prescription for Health: Coffee

06/02/08 Research

Drinking four cups of regular coffee a day can reduce the calcification that blocks vessels and may even prevent diabetes. 

This refutes other research. In the past, coffee has been blamed for contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, published their findings in the May, 2008 Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. They credit the high antioxidant content of regular coffee as being a significant factor in decreasing atherosclerosis.

Antioxidants are substances which protect cells from the by-products of metabolizing food, exposure to smoke, tobacco and radiation. These by-products are known free radicals, Atherosclerosis is similar to plaster sticking to the walls of large and medium sized arteries. It cuts down blood supply to organs, including the heart. 

Of the, 1,570 men and women over the age of 55 who participated, women had marked reduction of atherosclerosis with 3 or 4 cups of coffee per day. The results were even better when participants drank more than four cups per day. Men fared well with the same amounts, but not quite as significantly as the women. 

Regular coffee was most effective, not boiled coffee, Turkish coffee, French coffee, or other types of coffee that are prepared without a paper filter. These types have high levels of diterpenes, kahweol, and cafestol, which actually have an adverse effect on blood cholesterol.

The study said nothing about decaffeinated coffee and whether the same benefits may be derived. There is significant literature to indicate caffeine poses potential health risks in some individuals. The question should arise as to whether the benefits outweigh the risks. At this point researchers have yet to determine which components of the java are responsible for the benevolent characteristics. Further research is needed to see if any may be isolated and used to treat heart disease and cure diabetes. 

Corie Richter is a nurse and physician's assistant who started her career as a health educator. The survivor of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and partially successful quadruple bypass surgery, she did not let her health challenges hamper her. Neither the limitations of spinal surgery nor of diabetes have deterred her from a mission of service. She now encourages others through writing and speaking engagements to master their disabilities through education and a proactive attitude.