Coffee, Good or Bad for the Blood Pressure

By Stephen Morgan

Caffeine, Good or Bad for the Blood Pressure? This is another one of those “is it or isn’t it” issues that probably by and large depends on a whole variety of associated issues but as it is one of the most regular of all of our queries I thought I would go ahead and try and provide some form of opinion.

Firstly from my own point of view, I have just started drinking Coffee again after an absence of about 15 years and thought that while I was undergoing a review of my medication for High Blood Pressure that I would see whether I could resume my on/off love affair with Caffeine.

To be honest the jury is still out as far as I am concerned in that yes there are the positives of being able to sit down every now and then with a hot cup of coffee and savour the rich and glorious aroma of freshly ground coffee but there is the down side also. For my part this is now a recurrence of the headaches that made me give up drinking the stuff in the first place and then there is the caffeine “hit” that has now started to resemble a punch!

It is probably best to try and understand the chemistry behind Coffee and the human being before you start to make what comes remotely close to a definitive pronouncement of whether Coffee is good or bad for you. How does Coffee manage to have this sort of effect that one minute has legions of aficionados claiming it to be the “nectar of the gods” and the next minute claiming it to be the “juice of the devil!”

The famous Native American hero, Chief Crazy Horse is widely acclaimed to have made the following statement about Coffee. “If the Great Spirit has something better than coffee, he keeps it for himself.” Now it is a medical fact that Caffeine increases blood pressure. For those with normal blood pressure this is not a problem. For those with an already increased blood pressure then this can be an issue that causes further problems.

The whole situation is further complicated by the fact that Caffeine is such a widely available substance by which I mean that it is present in a great many different beverages and drinks and also in a wide variety of freely obtainable over the counter (OTC) medicines such as certain types of Painkillers, weight loss drugs and various cold remedies.

The other side issue with the consumption of Coffee is that coffee increases the excretion of calcium which in turn tends to compound the whole “High Blood Pressure Cycle” by further acting as another cause of increased Blood Pressure.

As far as Women are concerned, the Calcium loss can have a further side effect and this is especially the case with regards to Woman who already have issues with a calcium deficiency. Because Coffee acts as a diuretic as has been mentioned above this further loss of calcium is aggravated via increased excretion. For those who already suffer from Osteoporosis, studies have shown that the diuretic qualities of Coffee can be an issue.

And the conclusion to all of this?

I’m afraid it is the same with Coffee as with most things, there is a lot to be said of the old saying that “a little bit of what you fancy does you good” but in this case it really does mean a little.

More information on the above can be found at

Coffee, Good or Bad for the Blood Pressure

where Stephen Morgan is principle Editor and also at

Coffee, Good or Bad for the Blood Pressure
Stephen also contributes to http://www.livingwithstress.net

Coffee Cuts Risk of Diabetes

Along with the discovery that coffee is replete with those wonderful antioxidants, another study now shows that it can cut your risk of diabetes. All the moe reason for me to refill my cup :)

The Best Pot of Coffee I Ever Made

By Bonita Anderson

I think the aroma of fresh coffee in the morning wakes up your senses and starts the day off with a feeling of vitality. With no coffee in the morning a lot of people have a hard time getting started. Coffee jump-starts my day.

I have used just about every type of coffeemaker there is. The percolators make a fine brew as do the programmable automatic ones. Whether you use glass or prefer stainless steel the finished product is only as good as the water you started with. Too much iron in the water tends to turn it green. Chlorine or fluoride will give the coffee an odd taste. Good water is essential. If you are lucky enough to have an artisan well I am jealous. I get coffee water from my neighbor, he has an artisan well with no iron.

I generally use a French Press coffeemaker but my favorite way to make the brew is with an egg.You are probably thinking, an egg? Yes, an egg. My great grandmother made egg coffee and it is a real treat. I make it for special occasions or when I want to share a cup with someone who has never heard of egg coffee.

To make egg coffee you need a clean pot and fresh cold water. I use an enamel one. Measure your coffee grounds into a cup and add a beaten egg. Stir the mixture into the cold water and put the pot over a low heat. Slowly heat to a boil, stirring often. When it comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Let sit for about two minutes then strain it into a cup.

That may sound like a lot of monkey business but I think it is well worth the effort. Coffee made like this over a campfire in the outdoors is delicious. At Christmas we add a little Irish Creme for flavor. Santa sure enjoys it.

I am such a cooking enthusiast that I made a website as a tribute to five generations of country cooks. You will find other cooking tips at http://www.pothaven.com