{"id":62,"date":"2015-07-30T12:15:31","date_gmt":"2015-07-30T12:15:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8888\/healthy-aging-magazine\/?p=62"},"modified":"2015-10-02T16:16:44","modified_gmt":"2015-10-02T16:16:44","slug":"thumbs-up-for-coffee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/fall-2015\/fall-2015-features\/thumbs-up-for-coffee\/","title":{"rendered":"Thumbs Up for Coffee"},"content":{"rendered":"

N<\/span>ext to water, coffee is at the top of the chart for America\u2019s favorite beverage. More than three-quarters of American adults drink coffee, so says the National Coffee Association, with most considering their cup of joe to be \u201can affordable luxury.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, for years, the poor bean that naturally contains caffeine has been the target of many a myth.<\/p>\n

How many of us heard warnings not to drink coffee when we were kids because it would \u201cstunt our growth,\u201d or later in adulthood that it would cause hypertension or cancer?\n[awesome-gallery id=1513]

(Top Left) Cold Brew. Photo: Daylight Coffee Beans (Top Right) Photo: Ipsento Coffee (Bottom Left) Hands with coffee Rwanda. Photo: Four Barrel Coffee (Bottom Right) Photo: Daylight Coffee <\/p><\/p>\n

Good news: many new and old studies have taken the steam out of those coffee myths.<\/p>\n

If you love to wake up and smell the coffee, you can rest assured that not only does your daily caffeine fix make you feel good, but it might even be a healthy choice.<\/p>\n

Here is some of the latest coffee research and some of the best places around the country to get the perfect cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

Health Benefits of Coffee<\/h3>\n

Recent research shows that drinking coffee may lower risks of different cancers and diabetes, might help with ringing in the ears, reduce the risk of heart disease, and contains helpful antioxidants.<\/p>\n

Coffee Lowers Type 2 Diabetes<\/h3>\n

People who increased the amount of coffee they drank every day by more than one cup over a four-year period had an 11% lower risk for type 2 diabetes than those who made no changes to their coffee consumption, according to a new study led by Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers. In addition, the study found that those who decreased their coffee consumption by more than a cup per day increased their type 2 diabetes risk by 17%.\n[awesome-gallery id=1517]

(Left) Sukequto. Photo: Four Barrel Coffee (Right) Photo: Daylight Photo <\/p><\/p>\n

\u201cOur findings confirm those of previous studies that showed that higher coffee consumption was associated with lower type 2 diabetes risk,\u201d said Shilpa Bhupathiraju, lead author and research fellow in the Department of Nutrition at HSPH. \u201cMost importantly, they provide new evidence that changes in coffee consumption habit can affect type 2 diabetes risk in a relatively short period of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThese findings further demonstrate that, for most people, coffee may have health benefits,\u201d said Frank Hu, senior author and professor of nutrition and epidemiology at HSPH. \u201cBut coffee is only one of many factors that influence diabetes risk. More importantly, individuals should watch their weight and be physically active.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coffee Might Have Positive Effect on Tinnitus<\/h3>\n

Women who consume higher amounts of caffeine may have a lower risk of developing tinnitus\u2014a steady ringing in the ear\u2014than women who consume less, according to another study by a Harvard School of Health (HSPH) researcher and colleagues.<\/p>\n

While it is unclear why more caffeine may reduce tinnitus risk, study senior author Gary Curhan, professor in the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH and a physician-researcher at Brigham and Women\u2019s Hospital said, \u201cWe know that caffeine stimulates the central nervous\u00a0system, and previous research has demonstrated that caffeine has a direct effect on the inner ear.\u201d<\/p>\n

[awesome-gallery id=1520]

(Left) Kenyak. Photo: Four Barrel Coffee (Middle and Right) Milstead Photo: Dan Cole<\/p><\/p>\n

\u201cWe observed a significant inverse association between caffeine intake and the incidence of tinnitus among these women,\u201d said Dr. Curhan said.<\/p>\n

More good health news. Coffee may lower risk of malignant melanoma. Erikka Loftfield, M.P.H., from the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, and her colleagues found that coffee consumption is inversely associated with a risk of malignant melanoma. The study suggests, \u201ccoffee has a protective effect against non-melanoma skin cancers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coffee and its role in reducing risk of liver disease<\/h3>\n

A study conducted in Sweden<\/a> found that overall, \u201can increase in consumption of two cups of coffee per day was associated with a 43% reduced risk of liver cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another study done in Italy<\/a> backed up these results. The researchers found that the more coffee the subjects drank, the lower their risk was of liver cancer. This also did not seem to be connected in any way with the subjects\u2019 sex, history of hepatitis or liver disease, or alcohol drinking.<\/p>\n

A cup of antioxidants<\/h3>\n

Researchers at the University of Scranton say that coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet. According to the leader of the study, Joe Vinson, Ph.D., after analyzing over 100 different foods and beverages and comparing that to frequency of consumption, coffee won out above all the others.<\/p>\n

Researchers from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, support Dr. Joe Vinson\u2019s findings. They discovered that under certain conditions, coffee can act as an antioxidant, a compound found in foods that helps fight free radicals that damage cells.<\/p>\n

Coffee and your heart<\/h3>\n

Thought too much coffee is not heart healthy? Researchers say, \u201cnot true.\u201d A review of 36 studies with a total of 1,279,804 participants showed that drinking a lot of coffee does not increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, drinking a moderate amount might actually reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. The lowest risk was associated with three to five cups per day. Someone drinking more than five cups, however, won\u2019t see a decrease in risk, but they also won\u2019t see an increase.<\/p>\n

Another analysis was done a few years prior to this one, focusing on the link between coffee consumption and risk of stroke. The research found that drinking three to four cups a day had the highest inverse association with a risk of stroke, with a 17% lower risk. More or less than this amount, though, did not produce the same results. In fact, while four cups a day decreases risk, five or six cups could increase risk.<\/p>\n

\n

Java world uncovered around the U.S.<\/h3>\n

Where are the hot coffee shops?<\/h4>\n

So now that you know your favorite beverage is not only tasty but can be good for you, here are some of the top coffee houses around the country for you to try.<\/p>\n

\n
\"hawaii\"

Daylight Mind Coffee Company Kailua-Kona, Hawaii<\/p><\/div>\n

HAWAII<\/h4>\n

Daylight Mind Coffee Company<\/a>
\nKailua-Kona, Hawaii<\/p>\n

An oceanside restaurant and coffee house in the heart of Kona, HI. Serves its own premium roasts, baked goods and innovative seasonal brunch.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\"Four<\/a>

Four Barrel Coffee SAN FRANCISCO<\/p><\/div>\n

SAN FRANCISCO<\/h4>\n

Four Barrel Coffee<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cSourcing, roasting, and brewing the best coffee in San Francisco in an honest, ethical, and sexy manner.\u201d Four Barrel Coffee is a coffee roaster based in San Francisco, California, with three cafes in the city. Four Barrel is a local, independent company that roasts their own beans, sells wholesale, as well as operates the cafes located on Valencia, Divisadero and Burrows Streets.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\"Milstead

Milstead & Co, Seatlle Photo by Dan Cole<\/p><\/div>\n

SEATTLE<\/h4>\n

Milstead & Co.<\/a>
\n770 N 34th St
\nSeattle, WA<\/p>\n

Art lines the walls of this rustic-chic coffeehouse that pours brews and sells bags of beans, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\"The

The Elk New York City Photo by Jesper D. Lund<\/p><\/div>\n

NEW YORK<\/h4>\n

The Elk<\/a>
\n128 Charles Street
\nNew York City<\/p>\n

Founded by Vancouver native, Claire Chan, The Elk features a full service cafe, a menu of lite and healthy bites created by Chef Sam Talbot, as well as a selection of market, home, and lifestyle items for sale. Inspired by her roots in the Pacific Northwest, Claire infused The Elk’s decor with the spirit of the outdoors and her chill Northwest style.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\"Ipsento,

Ipsento, Chicago<\/p><\/div>\n

CHICAGO<\/h4>\n

Ipsento<\/a>
\n2035 N. Western Ave.
\nChicago, IL<\/p>\n

Hip little counter-serve coffeehouse with funky furnishings and a menu of sandwiches and light fare.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

MILWAUKKEE<\/h4>\n

Colectivo Coffee<\/a>
\nMilwaukee and Madison, WI locations<\/p>\n

Locally owned and operated coffee roaster offering online coffee, wholesale, bakery, with cafes in Milwaukee and Madison Wisconsin.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

KANSAS CITY<\/h4>\n

Oddly Correct<\/a>
\n3940 Main Street
\nKansas City, MO<\/p>\n

Rustic-chic, brick-lined coffeehouse with its own line of beans, plus tea and espresso drinks.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

SALT LAKE CITY<\/h4>\n

Caf\u00e9 d bolla<\/a>
\n249 E 400 S
\nSalt Lake City, UT<\/p>\n

Intimate, artisanal coffee shop that hand selects and roasts its beans onsite. Also serves tea and gelato.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Boston<\/h4>\n

Render Coffee<\/a>
\n563 Columbus Ave
\nBoston, MA<\/p>\n

Cozy daytime gathering spot where artisanal coffee shares the menu with quiche, bagels and sandwiches.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

PHILADELPHIA<\/h4>\n

Elixr Center City<\/a>
\n207 S. Sydenham St
\nPhiladelphia PA 19102<\/p>\n

Single-origin, hand-poured brews and espresso drinks offered up in an eco-friendly marble and wood cafe.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Contributors: Julie Kostelnik, Elana Beckett<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Health\u00a0benefits of drinking coffee are reviewed. Some of the best coffee shops in the U.S. are highlighted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":72,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fall-2015","category-fall-2015-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62"}],"version-history":[{"count":206,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2610,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62\/revisions\/2610"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}