::Coffee::

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Coffee is the world's most popular beverage.

6 billion people can't be wrong.. or can they? The current scientific research points in both directions. Some experts claim this ancient beverage is evil and causes everything from birth defects to heart disease, others claim the coffee is a cure-all from Type II Diabetes to Parkinson's disease. Some evidence even suggests that it will put hair back on your head!Sure, some of it can be true, but due to everyone's unique biochemistry - the results may vary. In my opinion, a logical way to understand if this fine beverage is for you, would be to examine the properties of coffee, your genetic heritage, and your current health condition. Also paying close attention to your body's response to coffee can be your best bet to learn if this is indeed a drink you should consume on a regular basis, once in a while or drop it all together.

Let's examine the facts:

Coffee may reduce the risk of Diabetes Type II and possibly the risk of high Blood Cholesterol and Triglycerides:

This is thought to be due to the antioxidants found in coffee and the alkaloid trigonelline - product of Niacin metabolism. Trigonelline is converted to nicotinic acid ( form of niacin, not related to nicotine in tobacco ) niacin is well known for reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides. Since the latter converts into nicotinic acid at high roasting temperatures, to get more of these benefits, you would have to drink lighter roasts of coffee, and with less or no sugar.

Coffee does not cause heart attack:

Recently published study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found earlier reports that coffee may cause heart attack inconclusive.

Coffee may increase metabolism:

Since coffee stimulates production of bile, it can increase metabolism of fats, and if the food you eat is properly combined, coffee can increase your metabolism in general.

Coffee can increase mental alertness:

I find this particularly beneficial when quick "pick up" action is required. For example driving late in a day or night, when your body's energy and alertness levels are winding down. In this case being able to quickly react to sudden changes of circumstances is of great importance. However, frivolous consumption of caffeinated beverages especially by people with slow caffeine metabolism may result in anxiety and difficulties to concentrate, which may push you to behave erratically and can create embarrassing or even dangerous situations.

Coffee stimulates both the voluntary(Central) and involuntary(Autonomic) nervous systems:

In this case coffee's effects on the latter could be of benefit for example: in the case of constipation it can stimulate peristaltic wave to facilitate the bowel movement
Coffee's effects on the voluntary nervous system however, are not so encouraging. It can overstimulate the Central nervous system, thereby producing a variety of annoying symptoms, such as: aforementioned anxiety, insomnia, irregular heart beat, it can exacerbate emotional instability and greatly increase existing stress levels.

Coffee is highly acidic:

Therefore can irritate the mucous membrane of intestinal tract, contributing to ulcers and various bowel disorders

Coffee is diuretic:

It can contribute to dehydration, it can interfere with absorption of some minerals by taking them along when excreted.

Coffee can overtax the Adrenal glands:

The Adrenal glands responsible for many important functions in your body. They produce hormones, assist in regulating metabolism and mineral balance and at work 24 hours a day. So it pays to keep them healthy.

In conclusion, i would like to offer these thoughts: Coffee is a functional beverage. The science doesn't clearly understand which of the active ingredients in coffee appear beneficial, but one thing is clear: due to high amounts of caffeine found in coffee, it is a powerful stimulant, therefore it pays to use it wisely. If you struggling with any health conditions where effects of coffee may irritate your system, or if you struggle with caffeine absorption due to lack of certain genes, abstaining temporary or permanently could be of great benefit to you and those you come in contact with. Paying attention on how the coffee affects you in any situation will most likely be the best way to test if coffee should be part of your diet. If you choose to drink this fine beverage, the best time to would be after a meal containing fats or fatty proteins. Clearly drinking organically grown coffee is best. An acceptable daily amount of caffeine varies from person to person, but generally could range up to 300 mg. Preferable method of preparations would be:
1. Espresso for it's intense taste, unique texture, and smaller amount of caffeine, due to shorter contact with water. 1 ounce shot can contain up to 35 mg of caffeine.
2. Turkish coffee for it's aromatic blend of coffee and cardamom (an aromatic herb with cleansing properties). However, it has plenty of caffeine, 1 ounce serving can contain up to 60 mg of caffeine.
3. Mocha (not the chocolate infused coffee) or Percolator is widely used in European households. It is strong and flavorful, and will fill your house with unmistakable aroma of a pressure brewed coffee. 1 ounce serving can contain up to 70 mg of caffeine.
4. French press, where you can taste the true aroma of virtually any degree of caramelization. Drink it black or with some half n half or even some fresh cream for luscious taste and texture. 1 cup serving may contain up to 300 mg of caffeine.

A word on decaffeinated coffee. There are two widely practiced methods of decaffeinating the coffee. One involves the use of chemicals and often used in most commercial brands. This method isn't desirable because it adds toxic elements to coffee and possibly destroying it's medicinal properties. Second method is simply involves soaking the coffee beans in water, then dehydrating and roasting the coffee. Neither methods completely decaffeinate the beans, so if you looking to avoid caffeine, it would be wise to avoid the coffee entirely.
Some other common beverages containing large amounts of caffeine include: Tea (unless specified otherwise), Sodas both classic and diet, Ice teas, Red Bull.If you are in to the GMO foods, there is a genetically altered bean in the making that will have it's caffeine spawning gene knocked out.