Coffee and Headache Relief

Coffee is the second most popular drink in the world. Coffee has a universal appeal and people love it mainly because of the pleasurable sensation and efficiency it produces. No wonder it has triumphantly moved to the foremost place of the most consumed beverages in the world. Enjoying a cup of coffee is very stimulating and heightens all the five senses. The distinct aroma of freshly ground coffee tickles our taste buds. There is nothing so exhilarating and refreshing as a cup of freshly ground coffee. Yes, to coffee lovers it smells like freshly ground heaven. Millions of people start their day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee which is touted for its amazing health benefits.

 

Coffee and headache:

 

Headaches are a common medical complaint accompanied with pain or discomfort in the head. The most common headaches are tension headaches and migraines. A cup of hot coffee that contains caffeine can help you to gain complete relief from headache. Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant substance in coffee and tea plants. Caffeine improves alertness, elevates moods and decreases fatigue. U.S researchers have evidenced that the caffeine content in coffee can relieve headaches much faster than ibuprofen. It is surprising to note that caffeine is the key ingredient in many head ache medications.

 

How does coffee relieve headache:

 

Extensive research studies have proven that caffeine can provide relief to tension type headaches.  A cup of coffee generally contains 100 to 200mg of caffeine. This caffeine can alleviate headache by constricting the swollen blood vessels that put an unnecessary pressure on your nerves. So why not treat your headaches with a strong cup of coffee? Yes, drinking coffee is a simple and effective treatment for a bad headache. The caffeine in coffee can also help the migraine sufferers by constricting the blood vessels in the brain than many other over-the-counter migraine medications.

 

Conclusion:

 

A recent study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine shows that coffee considerably increases the mortality rate of both men and women. In general consumption of coffee adds a sense of overall well-being. A cup of good coffee, carefully roasted and brewed is one of the chief joys of life. With so many amazing health benefits there is no reason why coffee cannot be an indispensable part of your life.

Coffee And Its Unquestionable Positive Impact On Lowering The Risk Of Diabetes

It is almost a redundant debate when one discusses the health benefits derived from the drinking of coffee. So positively staggering are the results of the numerous studies carried out under strict clinical conditions that the world has finally accepted that the ordinary cup of the world’s favorite beverage is today been considered a serious contender for some of the healthiest ingredients to ward off many of life’s related diseases. Prominently, the finding that has made many sit up and take notice is the research on how coffee lowers the risk of diabetes. To understand this further , we need to take an incisive look at what makes coffee so healthy.

A study carried out in Australia and published in the ACS’ journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, lays bare the mystery of it all. What the study reveals is that coffee if consumed in its caffeinated form may cut the risk of type II diabetes by almost 50%. Diabetes is linked to the behaviour of hIA PP or human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide whose ‘misfolding’ leads to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes . Coffee reacts with it and stops its progression in the body. Thus, the very consumption of its daily dose temporarily arrests the “misfolding”of hIAPP and consequently of diabetes.

Research results published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and subsequently in the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide have both substantiated the argument further with more concrete proof . What was found over years of studies was the effect of caffeine on the body’s reaction to insulin.Their studies proved that each cup of caffeinated coffee decreased insulin resistance by almost 16%. The presence of High Density Lipoproteins or HDLs in coffee are directly linked to protecting the heart form cardio complications. This however was true only for de-caff variety of coffee and not the regular kind.This also thus highlights the fact that there may be other compounds present in coffee that may be also adding on to its potent effect on diabetes.

The Journal Of internal Medicine has taken the study on coffee to a deeper level . What has now been concluded is that the presence of antioxidants such as chlorogenic acids improves the sensitivity to insulin and reduces the absorption of glucose from the intestines thereby blocking the basic progression of diabetes related mechanism in the system. Also, the effect of niacin, magnesium and potassium, found in coffee is beneficial in developing insulin sensitivity.These findings prove beyond doubt that it is not merely the presence of caffeine that triggers the response towards insulin discharge but also the other helpful components.

Another area of investigation has been the focus in the media and in the world of medicine on the importance of lunch time coffee as stalling the incidence of type 2 diabetes. What has been found is that those who had coffee at the time when blood sugar rises dramatically, which of course is after a meal,the effect of coffee as an insulin -friendly presence seemed to have a more dramatic impact. A study carried out among a large group of French women found that those who drank a cup or more of regular coffee reduced their risk of diabetes by almost 33% .The findings also proved that this result was true for both caffeinated or decaff, with or without sugar.

Understanding the effect of coffee through its simple physiological dynamics can also explain how the caffeine stimulates the body’s metabolism thereby helping it burn sugars and release calories more quickly. This in turn is considered not only good for fighting obesity but also in improving heart health. However, the impact on lowering blood sugar levels is its most useful effect because that in turn is endemically linked to many other health conditions.

While the effect of coffee drinking can not be denied, a certain amount of moderation and prudence is required whenever one considers the results of research findings . Coffee for long has been considered a stimulant for the brain and has the potency to affect us negatively in case one is prone to stress and hypertension. To understand how under such conditions coffee can be of any help would need medical supervision and consultation. Most caffeinated drinks do spike the blood sugar levels which explains the perkiness that coffee seems to endow us with, but its application in already present diabetes must be completely under medical examination and scrutiny . Coffee definitely lowers the risk of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes , but as in the case with any other new medical findings one must also look out for its other effects that include hyper acidity, dyspepsia and constipation.

From the stage of hyperglycemia to diabetes is a process that make the cells in the body resist the increased production of insulin to help process the sugars . When hyperglycemia or excessive cellular presence pf glucose spirals out of control diabetes sets in . In diets devoid of coffee, this process happens more quickly , while in cases of regular coffee intake, the stalling of diabetes has been seen to dramatic effect. The two decade old research history of how coffee lowers the risk of diabetes has gained further prominence with a growing curiosity among its consumers and non-consumers alike.

Fighting Liver Disease Through Coffee

It has already been made known all over the world that coffee is not just simply a drink that can keep people awake or keep them going throughout their daily activities. Coffee is now most people’s common source of antioxidants. Further studies have been made on the other health benefits that people can get out of drinking coffee. One of the most amazing findings on recent studies is the link between drinking coffee and its effects on people who are facing serious health conditions like cirrhosis of the liver and other liver diseases in general.

 

Alcoholism can cause hepatitis C, and consequently cirrhosis of the liver. These are two of the most dreadful things that can put your health in serious risk. Surprisingly, recent studies have shown that coffee fights liver disease, specifically cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is generally caused by alcoholism, and hepatitis B and C. Scarring of the liver and its poor function are its basic characteristics.

 

A study in the US which included 125, 580 respondents over 20 years old, was able to find out that drinking coffee can give a reduced risk in developing or getting cirrhosis. A cup of coffee drunk per day can decrease the chances of getting liver disease by 22%. Researchers believe that caffeine may not be the sole reason for the link between cirrhosis and moderate coffee drinking. They studied the effects of tea on liver function and it did not yield the same results as that of the coffee study. There might still be a need for further research on what other compounds and components in the coffee that does this positive effect to a human being’s liver.

 

Drinking coffee will not heal liver disease or cirrhosis in particular, but it is known to lower the chances of getting this health condition. Moreover, for those who already have the condition, studies have shown that instead of getting further complications in the liver. It may also be safe to say that though coffee may be able to aid in fighting liver disease, there was nothing in the studies regarding coffee’s ability to fight these liver-related conditions, that will prove that coffee can enhance the performance of the liver.

 

Another study that was led by Neal Freedman from the US National Cancer Institute showed that those who are afflicted with chronic hepatitis C, which is another form of liver disease, can minimize the risks of worsening their condition by simply drinking 3 cups of coffee per day or more. When compared to those patients who are non-coffee drinkers, the decrease of the risk of the patients who drink coffee was at a percentage of 53%.

 

In this same study, 766 respondents participated in the HALT-C trial, or the Hepatitis C Anti-Viral Long-Term Treatment against Cirrhosis. All of these respondents are patients of Hepatitis C and did not get positive responses on anti-viral drug treatments. The study was simple. These patients were just asked to report how many cups of coffee they consumed or drank each day.

 

This study almost ran for 4 years and the respondents were supposed to regularly come in every 3 months for the whole duration of the study to be checked and seen by the doctors. Biopsies for the liver were also done to check on the progression of their liver condition. The results of the study showed that the respondents who were non-coffee drinkers had seen their condition worsen while coffee drinkers in the same sample of respondents did not get an increase in risks and progression of their liver disease.

 

These studies basically just prove that coffee does indeed have positive effects when drunk in moderation. So, since now we know that most liver diseases, like cirrhosis and hepatitis C are caused by alcoholism, then based on studies, it would be okay to use coffee as a fall back. Instead of having a few bottles of beer and other forms of liquor each day, substitute that with coffee. After all, it is never too late to do something about your health. Coffee fights liver disease and for alcohol drinkers who are scared for their health, switching to 2-3 cups of coffee per day may do you some good, health-wise.

Coffee Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease

Recent discoveries about the amazing health benefits of coffee will surely make you love it more. Coffee comes in many different types. They are also processed under several different ways, resulting to varieties of coffee tastes. But even with all the variations, coffee will always have that distinct taste which made it one of the most popular drinks of all time.

According to historical studies, the first record of coffee as a drink was during the 17th century. However, nobody really knows if coffee has existed during the earlier times. The popularity of coffee has become worldwide not only because of its delicious taste and aroma but also because of its many health effects. Scientists and experts have long been conducting studies regarding coffee and its advantages since it was first discovered.

As a result, many coffee health benefits have been listed. Recently, one finding regarding coffee has blown the minds of thousands of individuals. Experts have debunked the idea that coffee leads to heart disorders.

 

Coffee and Heart Disease

For a long time, scientists and experts have believed that coffee can lead to heart disorders due to its caffeine content. This is why a lot of individuals avoid coffee despite its great taste and aroma. Some manufacturers have also made ways to promote coffee by removing its caffeine content, leading to the term decaffeinated coffee. However, there are certain individuals who say that “coffee is no longer coffee without caffeine”. Physicians and health experts have long been advising their patients, especially those suffering from heart conditions to stop drinking coffee due to this huge misconception. But with recent studies, issues regarding coffee and heart diseases have been cleared out.

The new discovery about how coffee lowers the risk of heart disease is published in many health magazines and journals such as the American Heart Association journal. This is a proof that it is scientifically accepted and recognized.

 

Highlights of the study include the following:

 

• - Moderate intake of coffee can help prevent disorders of the heart such as heart failure.
• - Excessive intake of coffee can lead to heart diseases.
• - two cups of coffee a day can provide more health benefits than no coffee intake at all.

While it is true that caffeine, which is a stimulant, can lead to constriction of the blood vessels and increase in blood pressure, several other components of coffee can provide more therapeutic benefits than side effects. Coffee is known to contain high amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that prevent cancer cell formation by eliminating body toxins that may come from foods and the environment. These toxins can lead to cell mutations. By eliminating these toxins, functions of the different body organs, including the heart, can be greatly improved. If the heart functions properly as a result of the antioxidant components of coffee, the effects of its caffeine content are overpowered.

Other benefits of coffee such as improvement of insulin and glucose cell usage, lowers the risk for type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM). This action can also be associated on how coffee lowers the risk for heart diseases. Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus, which is a lifestyle-related metabolic disorder, is one of the direct factors that lead to heart disease and heart failure. This is because high glucose in the blood, which is an effect of DM, can make the patient’s blood thicker and sluggish. This will greatly affect circulation and increase the workload of the heart. By preventing DM through moderate coffee intake, you can prevent your blood from thickening, thus preventing the increase of your heart’s workload that will further improve the functioning of your cardiovascular system. By avoiding the onset of Type 2 Diabetes, your risk of developing heart diseases or heart failure can be reduced.

Another reason why the study regarding coffee and its ability to lower risk for heart diseases has been approved is because it has been conducted on human subjects. Most of the studies conducted claiming coffee as an unhealthy drink has been done on animal subjects.

It is important to know that an inexpensive, day-to-day drink has the ability to provide numerous health benefits. However, remember that the study has emphasized on taking coffee in moderation to achieve its health benefits. Anything taken in excess is not healthy.