Coffee Cupping: Bitter- But Better For Diabetes Management?
By: Donna Mitchell, Dietetic Intern
My last trip to San Diego introduced me to the novel term “coffee cupping,” something that sounded the least bit of fun- more of hyper-activity resulting in massive headaches and frequent bathroom stops. Not my type of entertainment. According to coffeereasearch.org, cupping is one of the coffee tasting techniques used by cuppers to evaluate coffee aroma and the flavor profile of a coffee. But what about moderate amounts and its effects on health? The buzz on coffee and its effects on diabetes management has been talked about recently and I would like to share possible theories for this “miracle” beverage for people who have diabetes and other health-related disorders.
Harvard researchers analyzed an eighteen year study that concluded participants downing one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce the risk of diabetes. Having six cups or more each day reduced the risk in men by 54% and in women, by 30%. According to leading researcher Frank Hu, MD, the reason why coffee is beneficial for diabetes is still unknown. It is possible that both caffeine and other compounds play important roles. Coffee contains antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and tocopherols, as well as the mineral magnesium. All these components have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. In a new Harvard study, people drinking decaffeinated coffee, but not tea, also showed a reduced diabetes risk.
According to Tomas Depaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies, overall research shows coffee is far more healthful than harmful. There is evidence that coffee may help manage asthma, stop a headache, boost mood, and even prevent cavities. Italian researchers credit trigonelline, a compound that gives coffee its antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties to help prevent dental cavities. At least six studies indicate people who drink coffee regularly are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. The evidence is very strong in coffee’s benefits for Parkinson’s disease, directly relating to caffeine. In, fact, drugs used to treat Parkinson’s are now being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine based on this evidence.
Whether a coffee drinker or not, now you are aware of possible health benefits of this historically popular beverage- just remember not to go overboard on your next java stop. Although caffeine has been shown to increase energy and boost moods, it is not the caffeine that improves diabetes management, but the potent bioactive compounds found in coffee- so decaf will work just as well. "A cup of coffee is about 2% caffeine and 98% other stuff," says Terry Graham, chair of the nutritional sciences department at the University of Guelph in Ontario. The "other stuff" might easily include "another 50 or 100 active compounds," Graham says. So just remember moderation, about 2 cups per day. Happy cupping!
For more information visit Vanderbilt University Institute for Coffee Studies at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ics/
My last trip to San Diego introduced me to the novel term “coffee cupping,” something that sounded the least bit of fun- more of hyper-activity resulting in massive headaches and frequent bathroom stops. Not my type of entertainment. According to coffeereasearch.org, cupping is one of the coffee tasting techniques used by cuppers to evaluate coffee aroma and the flavor profile of a coffee. But what about moderate amounts and its effects on health? The buzz on coffee and its effects on diabetes management has been talked about recently and I would like to share possible theories for this “miracle” beverage for people who have diabetes and other health-related disorders.
Harvard researchers analyzed an eighteen year study that concluded participants downing one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce the risk of diabetes. Having six cups or more each day reduced the risk in men by 54% and in women, by 30%. According to leading researcher Frank Hu, MD, the reason why coffee is beneficial for diabetes is still unknown. It is possible that both caffeine and other compounds play important roles. Coffee contains antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid and tocopherols, as well as the mineral magnesium. All these components have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. In a new Harvard study, people drinking decaffeinated coffee, but not tea, also showed a reduced diabetes risk.
According to Tomas Depaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies, overall research shows coffee is far more healthful than harmful. There is evidence that coffee may help manage asthma, stop a headache, boost mood, and even prevent cavities. Italian researchers credit trigonelline, a compound that gives coffee its antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties to help prevent dental cavities. At least six studies indicate people who drink coffee regularly are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. The evidence is very strong in coffee’s benefits for Parkinson’s disease, directly relating to caffeine. In, fact, drugs used to treat Parkinson’s are now being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine based on this evidence.
Whether a coffee drinker or not, now you are aware of possible health benefits of this historically popular beverage- just remember not to go overboard on your next java stop. Although caffeine has been shown to increase energy and boost moods, it is not the caffeine that improves diabetes management, but the potent bioactive compounds found in coffee- so decaf will work just as well. "A cup of coffee is about 2% caffeine and 98% other stuff," says Terry Graham, chair of the nutritional sciences department at the University of Guelph in Ontario. The "other stuff" might easily include "another 50 or 100 active compounds," Graham says. So just remember moderation, about 2 cups per day. Happy cupping!
For more information visit Vanderbilt University Institute for Coffee Studies at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ics/
posted by Margie Geiser, MBA, RD, NSCA-CPT at
5:11 AM
1 Comments:
Coping with diabetes typically involves a combination of physical treatments and psychological adjustments. If not controlled, diabetes can damage the eyes, the kidneys, and other essential organs. Diabetes can reduce kidney function. It can cause vision changes and other health problems. Fortunately, you can choose to control this damage by changing your diet and exercise habits and by taking medicine and by regular exercise with proper Diabetes Management can somewhat be done to Diabetes nature.
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