[quote]TopSirloin wrote:
Not to fast here guys, I have yet to read the CNN report but according to our own Dr. LL and one Dr. Perricone, coffee intake should limited because it can decrease insulin sensitivity. This has been well documented, regardless if a study finds positives to drinking coffee. Not to mention there are far more antioxidants in an a couple dashes of oregano or half an apple than in coffee; coffee is relatively low in anti-ox’s.
According to Dr. Perricone (an MD but nutritionally well read) it’s the organic acids in coffee, no matter if regular or decaf, that cause inflammation in the body and increases it’s tendency to become acidic. Green tea, as well as black, white, and herbal teas are by far a better choice habitually.
I’m not saying to drop the java completely for fear of raising your bodyfat 10% and getting cancer, but I would not open the flood gates on it either. One cup a day should be about it, the one pre-workout is probably the best. For an anaerobic workout it can increase work capacity and intensity, where by burning more cals. For aerobic work it can help liberate adipocytes to be oxidized and increase time to exhaustion.
TopSirloin[/quote]
Although I totally agree that coffee intake is best in moderation, I have to point out two things (both of these recent ‘findings’ were huge media stories this year):
First, coffee is actually remarkably high in antioxidants. Recent studies show its antioxidants are even more bio-available than those in cocoa and green tea.
Also, high coffee intake has been linked with lower risk of developing type II diabetes (a blood sugar/insulin sensitivity disorder). But it’s worth noting that this benefit is only measurable if someone drinks upwards of 8 cups a day! Any less offers no benefit in this regard.
That said, coffee is also brutal on the adrenal glands, and highly acid-forming. It’s hard on the digestive system too. Finally, dark roasts in particular are fairly high in acrylamide, a known carcinogen (that’s got to have a counterbalancing effect on those wonderful antioxidants).
When drunk black, in moderation, it’s fine, but if you drink a lot of it, it’s fairly minimal protective benefits will be outweighed by the damage it causes.