The last few weeks have included interesting information on coffee, wine, marijuana, and health. All three stimulants can be addictive, enjoy a robust retail market (marijuana in limited states), and can have health benefits. My clients and readers of this blog know my mantra: “There is nothing that is all good or all bad and moderation is the key.” Although the research on all three is still a work in progress, the following is a brief overview of how they can affect your health.
COFFEE
According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, 54 percent of Americans 18 and older drink coffee daily and 65 percent of these drinkers consume it during breakfast hours. The key component associated with drinking coffee is caffeine. Coffee is a stimulant that can improve mood, increase energy, and increase cognitive function. When coffee is consumed, caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain where it blocks a neurotransmitter. This blocked neurotransmitter produces a stimulating effect, so that people can feel more alert, energetic and positive, with improved cognitive functions.
CAME
I am a wine enthusiast and enjoy drinking wine in moderation. Per capita wine consumption in the United States is about 3 gallons, much less than in other countries. Wine has benefits for heart health, reduces the risk of cancer and long-term depression. Red wine is high in antioxidants that are linked to heart health and lowering blood pressure. One of the antioxidants that has recently been touted is resveratrol. Although resveratrol is still being studied, this antioxidant in red wine is believed to protect blood vessels, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
White wine also has positive effects on heart health as a result of the antioxidants found in wine grapes. There has also been preliminary research linking drinking two to three glasses of champagne a week with preventing brain disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Now a glass of champagne is always a good thing, however keep in mind that this research continues in search of definitive proof.
HERB
Still considered taboo in many circles, marijuana, also known as marijuana, can also have health benefits. One fifth of Americans live in states where marijuana is legal. The label medical marijuana refers to the use of the whole unprocessed marijuana plant or its extracts to treat symptoms of diseases and other conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) NO approved the marijuana plant as medicine. However, the FDA has approved the scientific study of chemicals in the plant called cannabinoids, which have resulted in two FDA-approved drugs that contain cannabinoid chemicals in pill form.
To date, research from the National Institutes of Health has focused on two cannabinoids: THC and CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid that does not produce a “high.” The results indicate that THC can stimulate appetite and reduce nausea, which may be beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Researchers are continuing their work and are conducting preclinical and clinical trials with marijuana and its extracts to treat the symptoms of diseases and conditions of diseases that affect the immune system, including HIV / AIDS, multiple sclerosis (MS), pain, inflammation and seizures.
This post is a short overview of the hot topics around coffee, wine, and marijuana. These topics will continue to be of interest and the upcoming California Wine and Herb Symposium will undoubtedly be a catalyst for more conversations.
Remove: There may be undiscovered health benefits in the future with coffee, wine, and marijuana, however my caution is to make wise choices and moderation is essential.