to do without it because of heartburn, acid reflux, chronic stomach discomfort
and other gastrointestinal issues. The problem, it seems, has to do with the
very thing that gives coffee so much flavour: the roasting. But that may soon
change.
Joseph Schmer, M.D., a gastrointestinal medical specialist and former co-chief
of gastroenterology for Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, has seen for years
just how large of a problem stomach issues are for coffee drinkers. "During the
coffee-roasting process, natural acids form which can lead to heartburn,
indigestion and upset stomach," he explains. "Reducing these irritants allows
coffee drinkers with sensitive stomachs to enjoy coffee."
People with sensitive stomachs may want to check out brews such as Coffee
Legends' Gentle Java, a new coffee designed specifically for coffee drinkers who
say coffee upsets their stomachs. The java is made from an all-natural steam
process-popular in Europe for about 60 years-that reduces around 70 percent of
all impurities and irritants. The steaming leaves the coffee aroma, flavour and
caffeine completely intact-meaning coffee drinkers without sensitive stomachs
can enjoy the brew, too.
Gentle Java is good news for those who rely on coffee to help focus or for
anyone who wants to benefit from coffee's antioxidant qualities.
While caffeine has long been known to help asthmatics prevent attacks, recent
studies have shown coffee consumption can have several other health benefits.
Drinking coffee has been associated with a lower risk of gallstone disease in
men, reduced risk of kidney stone formation and a reduced risk of colon cancer.
Other studies have found coffee to be a good source of potassium, helpful in
promoting the effectiveness of migraine medications, and a way of protecting
against free-radical damage to tissues. One study found it had more antioxidant
activity than red wine, green or black tea or orange juice.