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The Buzz About Coffee Do you count on coffee to wake you up? You’re not alone. Nine out of 10 Americans consume caffeine regularly. And coffee is a hotter choice than ever. The once simple beverage that came with the option of cream or sugar has grown into an array of brews from cappuccinos to mocha lattes to double espressos. So, whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a java junkie, check out the latest buzz about coffee.
How much is too much? According to the American Dietetic Association’s Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, coffee is recognized as the top source of caffeine in the United States. “For most healthy adults, moderate amounts of caffeine — 200 to 300 milligrams a day, from about two to three cups of coffee — pose no physical problems.”
The effects from caffeine vary from person to person. Some have a tolerance for caffeine, and others experience jitters, sleeplessness and anxiety. Sensitivity to caffeine tends to increase with age. So monitor your reaction and decrease your intake if unwanted symptoms occur.
How much caffeine does coffee contain? Product Average Caffeine Content Coffee (8-ounce cup) Automatic Drip 85 mg Percolator 75 mg Decaffeinated 3 mg Espresso (1-ounce cup) 40 mg Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Does coffee cause high blood pressure? Drinking coffee may cause a slight increase in blood pressure (less than when climbing a flight of stairs) for a few hours. However, it is not linked to ongoing high blood pressure. Caffeine does not build up in the body over time; after a few hours it’s gone.
What about antioxidants and coffee? It’s true; there are antioxidants in coffee. In fact, due to the sheer volume of coffee consumed in the United States, it’s the No. 1 dietary source of antioxidants. Some evidence suggests that drinking coffee may help protect against type 2 diabetes and colon cancer. However, other foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, offer greater overall nutritional benefits. So remember this sound advice — eat all foods in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Is my daily gourmet coffee drink sabotaging my weight loss plan? Coffee, by itself, is fat-free and has only a few calories. It’s what we add to it that adds fat and calories. So think before you drink, and choose fat-free milk products over whole milk, and consider a smaller size. It can make a big difference. For example, a 20-ounce cappuccino made with whole milk has 210 calories and 11 grams of fat, while a 12-ounce cappuccino made with fat-free milk has 80 calories and 0 grams of fat.
How can I use coffee in cooking? The popularity of coffee is extending onto our plates. Try blending a little cold brewed coffee with lowfat frozen yogurt for a refreshing summer beverage. Or pair coffee with meats, such as steaks and roasts. Simply make a spice rub with finely ground coffee, chili powder, salt and pepper. Or flavor meat with a coffee-based marinade.
Coffee-Marinated London Broil Prep time: 15 minutes* *Marinate time extra Cook time: 10 minutes
1 cup strong black coffee 1/3 cup loosely packed brown sugar 1/2 cup ShopRite cider vinegar 1/4 cup chopped onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp. ShopRite olive oil 1 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. ground black pepper 1 lb. London broil or flank steak
Serves 4 Per serving: 244 calories, 15g carbohydrates, 26g protein, 0g fiber, 8g fat, 2g saturated fat, 62mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium |
