Many people rely on their daily caffeine boost to help get them through the week, but how much is too much?
Naturopath Eleanor McKenzie-Russell said it is a controversial topic with the jury still out as to how much benefit is derived from a cup of coffee.
"The general recommendation is 2-3 cups of tea or coffee a day as both contain caffeine" she said.
Purists would say to avoid caffeine altogether and just drink water or herbal teas as continued caffeine intake can cause an addiction."
Ms McKenzie-Russell said organic coffee is better for you with the most active component in it being caffeine - a central nervous system stimulant.
The amount of caffeine in one or two cups of coffee has a number of health benefits such as counteracting fatigue and speeding up digestion she said.
Antioxidants found in caffeine may also prevent aging and protect skin against cell damage.
Drinking coffee quickens the recovery of muscles from fatigue possibly by calling on glycogen stores in the muscles, and it may also play a part in protecting against Alzheimer's disease.
With many listed benefits Ms McKenzie-Russell said when deciding on how much caffeine should be consumed it is up to the individual, their lifestyle and health.
"If it's one of life's pleasures for you, then enjoy it" she said.
"But in moderation"
According to Ms McKenzie-Russell, drinking coffee regularly may reduce the risk of:
> Parkinson's Disease
> Cirrhosis of the liver
> Gall and kidney stones
> Type 2 diabetes
> Heart disease and
> Delay the onset of multiple sclerosis
The Naturopath said that drinking coffee may improve:
Mental performance
Alertness
Attention
Wakefulness and
Physical endurance and stamina
from the "In Good health" publication November 2011
Naturopath Eleanor McKenzie-Russell said it is a controversial topic with the jury still out as to how much benefit is derived from a cup of coffee.
"The general recommendation is 2-3 cups of tea or coffee a day as both contain caffeine" she said.
Purists would say to avoid caffeine altogether and just drink water or herbal teas as continued caffeine intake can cause an addiction."
Ms McKenzie-Russell said organic coffee is better for you with the most active component in it being caffeine - a central nervous system stimulant.
The amount of caffeine in one or two cups of coffee has a number of health benefits such as counteracting fatigue and speeding up digestion she said.
Antioxidants found in caffeine may also prevent aging and protect skin against cell damage.
Drinking coffee quickens the recovery of muscles from fatigue possibly by calling on glycogen stores in the muscles, and it may also play a part in protecting against Alzheimer's disease.
With many listed benefits Ms McKenzie-Russell said when deciding on how much caffeine should be consumed it is up to the individual, their lifestyle and health.
"If it's one of life's pleasures for you, then enjoy it" she said.
"But in moderation"
According to Ms McKenzie-Russell, drinking coffee regularly may reduce the risk of:
> Parkinson's Disease
> Cirrhosis of the liver
> Gall and kidney stones
> Type 2 diabetes
> Heart disease and
> Delay the onset of multiple sclerosis
The Naturopath said that drinking coffee may improve:
Mental performance
Alertness
Attention
Wakefulness and
Physical endurance and stamina
from the "In Good health" publication November 2011