The Truth
about Coffee
Amy
Anderson
An
Australian study claims that coffee can increase stamina and
help weight loss. Yet, most health experts warn against drinking
it. Amy Anderson separates myth from fact
Coffee
is fat-free: Myth
After brewing, espresso coffee contains 2.5 per cent fat. Filter
coffee contains 0.6 per cent. It's mainly the milk or cream
taken with the coffee that adds fat.
Coffee
makes you more physically active: Fact
Cafeine the main active ingredient in coffee acts as a mild
stimulant on the central nervous system. This, in turn, is responsible
for boosting alertness when individuals are tired during nightshift
work, on a long journey or after lunch when the body's circadian
rhythm is at its lowest. It is also why drinking coffee before
taking part in sport can make you perform better.
Coffee
is just a quick stimulant: Myth
The stimulant effect of coffee peaks in the blood 15 to 45 minutes
after drinking but may persist for hours. How fast your body
deals with caffeine depends on your metabolic rate but its expulsion
is slowed by pregnancy, medications such as antacids and the
Pill.
It's
always hard to give up coffee: Myth
A tiny percentage of the population, who may be sensitive to
the mild stimulant effects of caffeine, may experience withdrawal
symptoms, such as headache and lethargy, if they suddenly stop
drinking coffee. These symptoms can be avoided by cutting down
gradually over a few days. Most people just feel slightly less
alert in the mornings when they stop drinking coffee.
Drinking
coffee is an aid to weight loss: Fact
Caffeine has been shown to lead to a temporary increase in the
metabolic rate and the rate of fat breakdown. Although increases
in energy expenditure caused by caffeine are small, they may
be of benefit in some weight loss programmes.
Coffee
can make you more mentally alert: Fact
Caffeine can boost the speed of rapid information processing
by 10 per cent, and a cup of coffee after lunch helps to counteract
the 'post-lunch dip' in ability to sustain concentration. It
can also make you less drowsy when you have cold and can stimulate
sensory nerves.
Coffee
is certain to make it hard to sleep: Myth
The effect of caffeine on the ability to fall asleep differs
hugely between individuals. Some people who drink coffee in
the evening find they have no problems sleeping; others find
its stimulant effect means it takes them much longer to fall
asleep. However, a higher proportion of poor sleepers than good
sleepers appear to metabolise caffeine particularly slowly.
This is why doctors often recommend that people who are having
problems getting to sleep refrain from drinking coffee in the
late afternoon or early evening.
The
darker the roast, the stronger the coffee: Myth
The darkness of a coffee roast depends on how long it has been
left to roast for and lighter roasts often have a stronger flavour.
Darker roasts are more acidic, which can make the taste better
or worse, depending on your personal preference.
Source:
The Khaleej Times