Did You Know? Coffee is not addictive and is not linked to stress or anxiety

Apr 2 2012

It’s true that many people drink coffee on a regular basis, and coffee drinking may well be a habit, this does not amount to addiction but is simply a part of everyday life.  In fact, the World Health Organisation recognises that “there is no evidence whatsoever that caffeine use has even remotely comparable physical and social consequences which are associated with serious drug abuse”.

What about stress and anxiety? There is little evidence to show a correlation between moderate caffeine intake (of four to five cups per day) and anxiety.^{[ii],[iii],[iv]} Research in this area has found that a single large dose of caffeine (300mg) can cause anxiety – but this amount of caffeine is many times higher than the amount contained in a single caffeine-containing drink and is unique to scientific research.^{[ii],[iii],[iv]}

“We don’t need to worry about drinking a couple of cups of coffee causing stress or anxiety and we certainly don’t need to worry about becoming addicted to coffee.  The overwhelming weight of scientific evidence demonstrates that moderate coffee consumption of four to five cups per day is perfectly safe,” – Dr Christian Jessen.

National Coffee Day

Nov 14 2011

Celebrate Coffee!

National Coffee Day – 29th September 2011

Why should we be celebrating coffee on 29th September? For a start, coffee is one of the world’s most popular consumed commodities, with over 400 billion cups consumed each year. What’s more, coffee may confer a number of health benefits.

Coffee has been the subject of conflicting news stories over the years so let’s set the record straight!

There is an overwhelming weight of scientific information that demonstrates that moderate coffee consumption of four to five cups per day is safe and may confer some health benefits. For pregnant women the NHS recommends consuming no more that 200mg of caffeine per day from all sources1.

Studies also show that coffee:
  - may protect against heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.2,3,4,5
  - may protect against liver, pancreatic and breast cancer.6,7,8
  - is packed with anti-oxidants (more total antioxidant activity than tea or green tea) and is virtually fat free.9,10

You may be surprised to learn that a cup of coffee can also help you stay hydrated as moderate coffee consumption counts towards your daily fluid intake.11,12 In fact, the British Nutrition Foundation accepts coffee as an important source of fluid in the diet.13

“National Coffee Day is a good excuse to enjoy a cup of coffee.  There are too many so called  ‘well-meaning’ food and health messages that tell us to avoid all sorts of ordinary food and drink – usually for little or no reason – and such messages often put people off following a healthy diet by demonising so many enjoyable foods.  Moderate consumption of up to 4-5 cups of coffee per day is not only considered safe, but may have a number of health benefits such as protecting against coronary heart disease and stroke.  It’s also reassuring to know that a couple of cups of coffee can contribute to your fluid balance and help you stay hydrated and alert. So there really is no need to over-restrict yourself, enjoy” – Luci Daniels, Registered Dietitian.

For the majority of people, 400mg of caffeine per day is considered moderate consumption – this equates to around four to five cups of coffee. This will depend on the size and strength of the serving and it’s important to remember that caffeine can be found in other foodstuffs, such as tea, cola and chocolate. For pregnant women, the NHS recommends a safe upper limit of 200mg of caffeine per day from all sources – approximately two to three cups of coffee or equivalent.1

-ends-

References

 1. NHS Choices, http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/pregnancycareplanner/pages/Healthinpregnancyhome.aspx
 2. Lopez-Garcia E, Rodriguez-Artalejo F, et al.  Coffee consumption and mortality in women with cardiovascular disease.  Am J Clin Nutr. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.110.010249
 3. Mukamal, K. et al. American Heart Journal, 495 – 501, 2009
 4. Kastorini, C. M. et al. Journal of Medicinal Food, 12 (1), 29-36, 2009
 5. Van Dam, R.M. and Feskens, E.J.M. Lancet, 360, 1477-1478, 2002
 6. Woolcott et al. European Journal of Cancer Prevention; 11: 137-145, April 2002
 7. Michels et al. Journal of the National Cancer Institute; 97: 282-92, 2005
 8. Li, J., et al. Coffee consumption modified risk of estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research.  Breast Cancer Research 2011, 13:R49doi:10.1186/bcr2879
 9. Liu, Y. & Kitts, D. International Journal of Food Research, Accepted Manuscript, 2011
 10. Kang, N.J et al. Oxford Journal. Feb 2011
 11. Kolasa, K. et al. Hydration and Health Promotion.  Nutrition Today, 44:5, 2009
 12. Ganio, M. S. et al. Evidence-based approach to lingering hydration questions. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 26: 1-16, 2007
 13. British Nutrition Foundation, http://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritioninthenews/hydration/healthy-hydration-guide

Coffee and Stroke – The Facts

Jun 11 2011

Download the latest press release and find out all about coffee and stroke

Back to Your Old Self – Coffee is a Mum’s Best Friend

Nov 21 2009

Download the latest press release and find out all about new mums’ coffee drinking habits.

Take 5 and Gain 10? – Get ahead at work with your coffee break

Jun 9 2009

Download the latest press release and reveal what people at work really think about coffee and their coffee break.

FSA Issues New Advice On Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy

Nov 3 2008

Click here to download the British Coffee Association’s statement on the new advice issued by the Food Standards Agency about caffeine consumption during pregnancy

Coffee Consumer Market Research

Jul 25 2008

Download this press release and reveal what people really think about coffee.

Coffee Myths and Facts: Top Tips for Staying Fully Hydrated this Summer

Jul 1 2008

Click here to download the British Coffee Association’s summer 2008 press release on how coffee has been shown to contribute to your daily fluid intake.