Commentary

Coffee Talk- by Greg Strid

I am completely and utterly addicted to coffee.
Starting the day without an English pint-sized
glass of iced coffee (with beyond generous amounts
of cream and sugar) would be unwise to say the
least, and a crime against the natural order of the
universe, if I am allowed to exaggerate a touch.

I have glanced at many hideous sounding reports
concerning the dire health effects of coffee over the
years. After each scary study describes what the deadly
toxins swirling in my morning vat of joe will do to my
good Christian soul, I reduce my intake by a few
gallons a month. (Right now I ingest about 3 cups per
day- down from a peak of about 7-10 cups six months
ago.)

The Personal Health section of the New York Times
yesterday featured an article that will make caffeine addicts
rejoice. The piece, called “Sorting Out Coffee’s Contradictions”,
was penned by Jane E. Brody. I suggest that you click and
read this very useful summary of what the Center for
Science in the Public Interest had to say on the matter.

It turns out that moderate coffee consumption can have
some health benefits. An Iowa Women’s Health Study
found that women who drank three cups a day reduced
the risk of cardiovascular disease by 24 percent. Another
report suggested that coffee drinkers are less likely to
develop liver cancer than those who avoid the stuff
altogether. There are several other significant health
benefits tied to moderate coffee consumption as well.

I read it while working my way toward the bottom of
my morning pint of iced java juice, and I felt good
enough to follow it up with another, which was more
sane in size- I didn’t want to get too carried away
with the best news I’ve heard about coffee in years.

© Greg Strid 2008

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