{"id":154,"date":"2018-06-26T14:46:58","date_gmt":"2018-06-26T21:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.csun.edu\/nutritionexperts\/?p=154"},"modified":"2018-06-26T14:59:56","modified_gmt":"2018-06-26T21:59:56","slug":"coffee-not-your-average-joe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.csun.edu\/nutritionexperts\/2018\/06\/26\/coffee-not-your-average-joe\/","title":{"rendered":"Coffee: Not Your Average Joe"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Coffee\"By\u00a0Shely Salemnia, DTR, CSUN Dietetic Intern<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Coffee is heralded throughout the world for its stimulating properties, delicious flavors, and invigorating aroma. But did you know coffee has many health benefits as well?<\/p>\n

Commonly known to have originated from Ethiopia, coffee is a beverage enjoyed throughout the world; as a start to the day, as a pick-me-up, or even for ceremonial purposes1<\/sup>. This beverage has a passionate fan base in all four corners of the world, and even has developed its own culture. Coffee is the seed from a fruit called the coffee cherry2<\/sup>. The green seeds are processed and then roasted, giving it a dark brown coloring. The seeds are then ground up and heated with water to extract what we know as coffee.<\/p>\n

New and emerging research has shown immense health benefits from drinking coffee. Coffee consumption has been studied in its possible role in reducing risk of: depression, cognitive decline, liver disease, Type 2\u00a0Diabetes, and some cancers3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8<\/sup>. Per a 2015 editorial in The American Journal of Cardiology, moderate coffee intake (3-6 cups\/day) was described as fairly safe, including for individuals with cardiovascular disease and hypertension5<\/sup>.Coffee contains thousands of compounds including caffeine, diterpene alcohols, chlorogenic acids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants, all of which may be involved in the physiologic mechanism of coffee on health5<\/sup><\/sup>. It also contains some potassium and magnesium9<\/sup><\/sup>. <\/sub>Health benefits were seen with as little as one cup of coffee per day. Some negative health effects were associated with high coffee drinkers (more than 10 cups\/day)5<\/sup><\/sup>.Discuss with your physician the amount of coffee that is recommended for you.<\/p>\n

The average cup of coffee has around 74-100 mg of caffeine, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that around 400mg of caffeine per day is safe; and for those pregnant or breastfeeding up to 200mg per day is safe10<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

Coffee is naturally low in calories. Avoid getting blended beverages and flavored beverages common at some coffee shops, which are loaded with excess sugars, calories, and preservatives. Healthy options to add to your coffee are non-fat milk, low-fat milk, and milk alternatives.<\/p>\n

Coffee is a delicious choice in beverage, whether you prefer it as espresso, drip coffee, or blended with ice. If you don\u2019t have a coffee machine at home, here is a guide to brew your own cup at home.<\/p>\n

Step-By-Step Guide to Brewing Coffee without a Drip Coffee Maker\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Items needed<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n