Chatelaine August 2004, Vol. 77 No. 8
Your favourite vice has some surprising perks. Drinking coffee may lower your chance of developing gallstones, liver disease, depression and Parkinson’s disease, according to several studies. Consuming caffeine may also protect against type 2 diabetes, says Ahmed El-Sohemy, a University of Toronto researcher.
Bitter news
Researchers have a wake-up call for java fans, though. The hot stuff can increase hypertension, heart disease and the risk of ovarian cancer. And aside from known side effects including insomnia, headaches and irritability, caffeine may also trigger mood swings, premenstrual syndrome and bone loss. That’s why Susan Whiting, nutrition professor at the University of Saskatchewan, suggests that women limit caffeine intake to 300 miligrams a day. food labels don't include caffeine content, so you'll probably find our chart (right) a real eye-opener.
Caffeine count (chart)
50 g (1.8 oz) chocolate bar 13 mg
125 ml (1/2 cup) Haagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream 30 mg
237 ml (8 oz) green tea 30 mg
237 ml (8 oz) diet cola 31 mg
One caplet Anacin Extra Strength 32 mg
237 ml (8 oz) black tea 40 mg
One caplet Excedrin Extra Strength 65 mg
237 ml (8 oz) Red Bull Energy Drink 76 mg
296 ml (10 oz) medium Tim Hortons coffee 106 mg
355 ml (12 oz) tall Starbucks coffee 300 mg
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