Do you need your daily cup of coffee? Do you make coffee at home, or brave the lines at Starbucks or Biggby? According to the Narional Coffee Association, adult coffee consumption in the United States is at a 20-year high; 67% of Americans reported drinking coffee in the past day, compared to 49% of adults in 2004. 75% of Americans reported drinking coffee in the past week. Coffee may be more popular than ever, but is it good for us? Today on the blog we’re going to explore the health benefits and pitfalls of coffee in honor of International Coffee Day (which was October 1st).
Benefits of Caffeine
- Lowers risk of developing type 2 diabetes (this is only if you drink filtered coffee though!)
- Lowers risk of stroke (this is also if you drink filtered coffee!)
- Lowers risk of Parkinson’s Disease
- Lowers risk of liver disease
- May improve gut biome/help with digestion
- May offer protection against dementia
- May reduce risk of depression
- Coffee is a social drink. Some coffee shops have early morning groups where older adults can get together and socialize.
- Important to keep in mind: when studies say “coffee,” they mean black coffee, not Frappuccinos with whipped cream and a bunch of extras! Many studies find that these benefits come with drinking no more than two cups of coffee per day. Talk with your doctor about how much caffeine you should be ingesting.
What to Watch Out For
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Coffee can raise Blood Pressure
- Drinking a lot of unfiltered coffee can raise cholesterol levels
- Too much coffee can be a diuretic– make sure to keep hydrated!
- Caffeine and coffee may negatively interact with some medications
- Watch your sugar intake- things like whipped cream, creamer, and other add-ons can add up!
Coffee Discounts (Note: many discounts vary by location. It is best to explicitly ask whether the location has a senior discount or call ahead)
- Burger King offers a reduced-price senior coffee for those age 55+ (varies by franchise location).
- Dunkin Donuts offers a 10% senior discount for those age 55+ (varies by franchise location)
- McDonald’s offers a reduced-price senior coffee for those age 55+ (varies by franchise location).
- Tim Hortons offers a 10% senior discount for those age 55+.
- Wendy’s offers a free drink for seniors age 55+ (varies by franchise location).
