Many of us start the day with a hot cup of coffee. It’s not only a delicious beverage, but coffee is also part of our collective social fabric. Some drink it mainly for the caffeine and stimulating effect without realizing some of the important health benefits to coffee. However, like all things, moderation is the key. Too much caffeine leaves many people feeling jittery and anxious and at times, this can be dangerous. But coffee is more than just caffeine. Other compounds within it have important influences on our health.

In today’s episode, we discuss the constituents of coffee and coffee beans and the mechanisms by which they affect health and disease.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:40 The basics of coffee
• 5:45 Caffeine – the good, the bad, and the ugly
• 11:30 Diterpenes (kahweol and cafestol)
• 14:00 Chlorogenic acids and antioxidants
• 14:55 Micronutrients, adding cream and sugar
• 17:00 Health benefits and risks – what does the literature say?
• 23:40 Question of the Day
  • How does caffeine affect cortisol testing?

Additional Resources:

Adrenocortex Stress Profile

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Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.