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Many college students rely on caffeine to keep them alert while studying. A recent study shows that drinking caffeine might help these students to extend their lives.

Coffee: more than simply a 'morning jolt'

By: Shelley Maxwell

Posted: 9/29/08

Coffee might do more than simply keep an individual awake. A new study from the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter suggests that people who drink coffee could be extending their lives. It suggests that coffee in moderation, defined in an article from revolutionhealth.com as being five cups or less per day, is actually good for the circulation; however, is this information really accurate?

According to the American Heart Association, moderate coffee consumption should be defined as one or two cups a day.

"I think the jury's still out on this one," says Jill Siegfried, Director of Student Recreation, Fitness and Wellness. "There seems to be conflicting information."

Specifically, the study states that coffee drinkers were less likely to die from heart disease over a 20-year period. But, which people were involved in the study? If those involved were already very healthy-it would be no surprise that coffee may seem to be a health benefit; however, what about those who may already suffer from heart disease or have bad circulation?

As far as college students go, a 2007 study from the National Coffee Association shows that 37 percent of 18 to 24-year olds drink coffee. But students aren't just drinking coffee anymore. There are plenty of new caffeinated drinks out there, specifically, energy drinks.

"I drink [Red Bull] every morning around 9:00 a.m.," says Joe Stephens, a junior Mathematics major. "I usually only drink one a day … because I like the taste and it kind of wakes me up a little bit."

Students seem to rely on caffeinated drinks like Red Bull or coffee in order to stay focused. And if coffee is good for the circulation, is that comparable to these other widely available energy drinks? According to mayoclinic.com, there are around nine milligrams of caffeine per ounce in a Red Bull energy drink, while there are just about eight milligrams of caffeine in an ounce of instant coffee. So, in theory, Red Bull could be good for the circulation in moderation as well.

While the amount of sugar or other ingredients could account for the reason why energy drinks would not be included in the theory of extending life with coffee-there is no evidence of the amount of sugars or cream, if any, that is used by these coffee drinkers.

While students consume their fair share of caffeine, they aren't the only coffee drinkers on campus. In almost any classroom, there is often a cup of coffee sitting on the professor's desk.

"I drink coffee every day," says Lisa O'Toole, Assistant Professor of Communications. "But I drink absolutely no more than two cups a day … always in the morning. I always thought it was unhealthy to drink more than that. [This study] might allow me to have an extra cup now and then."

While two cups a day is "moderate" according to the American Heart Association, could the revolutionhealth.com article be correct in assuming five cups might still be considered moderation?

If this statement is true, and word gets out that drinking up to five cups of coffee a day can be beneficial, some people will surely be consuming more coffee.

Coffee has been popularized in recent years, thanks to franchises like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. It is more available and even better quality than ever before.

"Coffee's fashionable now," says O'Toole. "Kids go out now for a Frappucino or an iced Mocha Latte."

There is no question as to the popularity of coffee in the current generation. But the idea of coffee being "fashionable" and beneficial for one's health seems too good to be true.