The last few weeks have included interesting information on coffee, wine, herbs and health. All three stimulants can be addictive, enjoy a strong retail market (herb in limited states), and may 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 research on all three is still a work in progress, here is a brief overview of how they can affect your health.

COFFEE

According to the Statistical Brain Research Institute, 54 percent of Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee every day, and 65 percent of these drinkers consume it during breakfast hours. The key component associated with coffee consumption is caffeine. Coffee is a stimulant that can improve mood, increase energy and cognitive function. When coffee is consumed, the caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain where it blocks a neurotransmitter. This blocked neurotransmitter leads to a stimulating effect, so people can feel more alert, energetic and positive, with improved cognitive functions.

WINE

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 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 lower blood pressure. One of the antioxidants that has been promoted recently is resveratrol. Although resveratrol is still being studied, this antioxidant in red wine is thought 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 the prevention of brain disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Now, a glass of champagne is always a good thing, however please know that this research is continuing in search of definitive proof.

GRASS

Still considered taboo in many circles, weed, also known as marijuana, may also have health benefits. A 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 disease and other conditions. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has NOT approved the marijuana plant as medicine. However, the FDA has approved the scientific study of the chemicals in the plant called cannabinoidswhich have led to two FDA-approved medications containing cannabinoid chemicals in pill form.

To date, research at the National Institutes of Health has focused on two cannabinoids: THC and CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid that does not create a “high”. The findings indicate that THC can stimulate appetite and reduce nausea, which may be beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Researchers continue their work and are conducting preclinical and clinical trials with marijuana and its extracts to treat symptoms of diseases and conditions that affect the immune system, including HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis (MS), pain, inflammation, and seizures.

This post is a brief overview of the hot topics around coffee, wine, and weed. These topics will continue to be of interest and the upcoming California Wine and Herb Symposium will certainly be a catalyst for more conversations.

Bring: There may be undiscovered health benefits to coffee, wine and herbs in the future, however my warning is to make wise decisions and moderation is essential.