Good to the last drop

New research suggests drinking coffee might actually be good for you

May 11, 2009|Judy Foreman

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Caffeine is a powerful "ergogenic agent," meaning it promotes the ability of muscles to work. Studies show that caffeine boosts performance in both very short and very long athletic events, said Graham.

It used to be thought that caffeine worked by stimulating the release of sugar (glycogen) in muscles, but recent research suggests it helps muscles release calcium, allowing muscles to contract with more force. It takes only a medium cup of regular coffee for a 130-pound athlete to see a measurable improvement in performance, Graham added.

One last bit of coffee advice: Don't drink unfiltered coffee - the kind that is popular in Scandinavia and is made in French presses. Filtered coffee, which most Americans drink, is much better because the paper filters catch a substance called cafestol, which boosts "bad" cholesterol (LDL). Filtered coffee has no effect on either good or bad cholesterol.

If, despite all this good news, you still worry that you're drinking too much coffee, by all means cut back or quit. But don't go cold turkey. Abrupt caffeine withdrawal can trigger headaches, noted Dr. Alan Leviton, a neurologist at Harvard Medical School who consults for the National Coffee Association, an industry group. So, taper off instead.

On the other hand, if reading this makes you want an extra cup, go for it. And enjoy it - guilt free!

Judy Foreman can be reached at judyforeman@myhealthsense.com