The Triangle

Issue date: 1/25/08 Section: Science and Technology

Media Credit: MCT Campus

(U-WIRE) PULLMAN, Wash. - The occasional stop at Starbucks or quick pick-up at The Daily Grind drive-thru may do more than settle that irresistible craving for a peppermint latte, which happens to be the greatest part of the winter, next to the "Home Alone" soundtrack.

Coffee products often receive a bad rep as caffeine is an addictive drug with side effects from excess consumption that include increased blood pressure and nervousness. However, recent research suggests that coffee may offer abundant health benefits, ranging all the way from cancer prevention to decreased pain perception.

With all of the recent hype about the importance of consuming antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries and green tea, coffee often slips under the radar for its powerful antioxidant properties. In fact, a 2005 University of Scranton study found that coffee is a primary source of these disease-preventing compounds.

According to Scranton professor Joe Vinson, the leading researcher of the study, "Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source. Nothing else comes close."

Additionally, according to WebMD.com, the antioxidants and magnesium in coffee may also contribute to a lower risk of type two diabetes. An antibacterial compound found in coffee may even aid in preventing tooth decay and cavities, although coffee does stain teeth.

There may be a link between cardiovascular exercise, caffeine and a decreased risk of skin cancer, according to Men's Health magazine.

Caffeine may even play a role in relieving pain, particularly pain resulting from exercise. A University of Georgia study published in the Journal of Pain in February 2007 found that following an exercise session designed to impose moderate muscle soreness, participants who consumed caffeine felt substantially less pain in their quadriceps (thighs) than those who took a placebo.

Coffee has benefits for college students that extend far beyond hitting the books. According to WebMD.com, coffee may even help prevent alcohol cirrhosis, an irreversible scarring of the liver that results from excessive consumption of alcohol.

Since sugar-free and fat-free options are often available, even lattes offer nutritional value as they are high in both calcium and Vitamin D.

Let's face it: For many of us, coffee is our only hope in the morning and it would be unbearable for many of us to even begin to face Monday morning classes without our loyal companion. As with most dietary supplements, moderation is as critical as consuming excess amounts of caffeine can be potentially harmful. However, feel free to enjoy that morning cup of joe. You'll stay awake during that 8:10 a.m. class - at least some of it, and you may be doing your body more good than you think.

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