Another look at coffee

Last Wednesday, a judge in California made a ruling requiring coffee companies to put cancer warnings in their products, similar to that of cigarettes. Apparently, a study showed that the chemical acrylamide, which is released during the roasting process of coffee, is a probable carcinogen.

The judge ruled on the basis that coffee companies failed to show that the threat from acrylamide was insignificant.

Some groups have filed a lawsuit against the well-known coffee companies, due to their lack of said warning. The case has been running for years.

But before you stop drinking your favorite coffee brand in the morning, know that in 2016, the WHO removed coffee from its list of “possible carcinogens.”

Although it is true that acrylamide is associated with cancer, researchers and scientists say it is present in very small amounts in coffee. And many other foods have an acrylamide component released when cooked, like French fries. I do believe more people eat French fries than drink coffee.

Tests have shown that the acrylamide levels do not differ that much between coffee and some popular food items such as fries, potato chips, cookies, crackers, etc. The fact that acrylamide does exist in coffee should make heavy drinkers think twice about that second or third cup.

And yet, there is also a study that highlights the health benefits of coffee. Results from a study in Brazil published in the Journal of American Heart Association showed that more than fifty percent of those who take two, three or more coffee cups per day have lesser calcium deposits in their aortic valves.

Coronary artery calcium is responsible for calcium deposits, which in turn may lead to blocked arteries, which may lead to a heart attack. But the study was quick to point out that actual benefit of drinking coffee, in the sense that it actually offers protection, was not established. They only published what they discovered. More studies will be needed to prove the actual benefits of coffee.  

Today, we live in a very different world. Information, whether true or not, comes to us at the speed of light. We are constantly bombarded with information, most of it we do not even need, or want.

So it is important to examine the information ourselves. Filter what’s true and what is “fake news.”

When it comes to our health, all the more. There are many studies, investigations and news about the benefits, and the dangers of different foods. Eggs used to be known for its bad cholesterol. Now, eating eggs is even encouraged. We may have nothing left to eat if everything seems bad in one way or another.

It has always been said, when it comes to food, moderation is the key. Everything when done in excess has a bad effect on the body. Now, if you cannot decide whether coffee is good or bad for you, there is always tea or water.