Is Coffee Bad For You?
Also Known As: joe, go juice
Short answer
As long as you drink coffee in moderation, it’s actually beneficial to your health. Try to limit yourself to 1 (or 2 max) cups of coffee per day.
Recommended Alternative
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Like many other things in life, coffee is good in moderation. One cup of coffee a day isn’t going to send you to an early grave, but if you’re downing three to four cups every day, then you may have a problem.
Studies have shown that coffee does, in fact, have some health benefits. Australian researchers found that there was a 7% drop in the odds of having type 2 diabetes for those who drink one cup a day. That may be because coffee contains antioxidants that aid in preventing damage to tissue by molecules called oxygen-free radicals. And because it also contains minerals like chromium and magnesium that help your body use insulin, it can improve the regulation of your blood sugar.
Even though it does have some benefits, it doesn’t make up for the fact that it contains caffeine. Caffeine, the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance across the globe, is in everything from coffee and energy drinks to sodas and teas. Just like coffee, caffeine is okay in moderation as it can actually boost your metabolism and brain function. Too much caffeine, however, can affect sleep, cause circulatory strain, heartburn, shakiness and raise blood pressure.
The overconsumption of coffee can also cause anxiety, which is why those with anxiety disorders shouldn’t drink coffee or anything else with caffeine in it. And to some, coffee is an addiction. For these individuals, they are prone to withdrawal symptoms like tiredness, headaches, brain fog and more if they don’t get enough coffee during the day. Lastly, it is a good idea to avoid coffee creamer, as it can substantially lower the nutritional value of your coffee.
Possible short-term side effects
- lack of sleep
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axiety
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shakiness
Possible long-term side effects
- increased blood pressure
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circulatory strain
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- helps prevent type 2 diabetes
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helps regulate blood sugar
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helps prevent tissue damage
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lowers risk of liver disease
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increases energy
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
- Dark roast flavor
- Includes Lion's Mane, Chaga
- Immune system support
- Enhances focus
- Fair Trade certified
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Written by Nolan Zipf
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Nolan Zipf
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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