Coffee and Wine: The Real Truth
By Debra Rodzinak
Every few months or so, you hear different “studies” that claim either the health benefits or detriments of wine and coffee. Since I love both, I wanted to know: What is the real truth on wine and coffee?
My day usually begins with a cup of coffee and ends with a glass of wine. Since I am relatively health conscious, I want to know if I am helping or hurting my body with my daily indulgences. With 61 percent of Americans drinking coffee daily and 31 percent who prefer wine to other alcohol beverages, I am not alone in my confusion.
Research Results
Some research has shown that there are several benefits to consuming wine and coffee such as lowering the risk of depression, increasing blood flow, and extending life span. Antioxidants are also found in both coffee and wine which have been found to prevent disease.
In addition, according to a Harvard University study of people who drank a moderate amount of coffee and wine, these participants were found less likely to suffer heart attacks 30 to 35 percent than their teetotaler counterparts.
In another study, coffee drinkers were found to boost brain health and may prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Risk of type 2 diabetes is also thought to decrease with regular consumption of caffeine.
The Drawbacks
However, all of the news on wine and caffeine consumption is not rosy. Those who suffer with acid reflux can aggravate this condition by drinking coffee every day. Other disorders like insomnia or anxiety can be intensified by those who drink caffeine. In the long term, two or more cups of coffee per day seems to lead to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Drinking too much wine can also add on the pounds. A small 5-ounce glass of alcohol contains over 120 calories. If you add a glass of wine daily to your regular diet, you may end up gaining a pound a week if calories are not decreased elsewhere. Wine can also cause dehydration, which can lead to the not-so-fun hangover. Finally, several types of cancer are more prevalent in those who drink alcohol.
If you are pregnant, you should not consume any alcohol at any time during your pregnancy for your health and the health of your baby.
Final Thoughts
I will have to weigh the pros and cons of coffee and wine consumption before I decide definitively if I will give them up. I believe that more research needs to be conducted before the public knows exactly what to believe. I will start my research tonight, with a glass of wine.
