by JEEVAN NAGPAL
Staff Writer
A new study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that coffee and other caffeinated beverages alter a woman’s estrogen levels. More than 250 women, between the ages of 18 to 44, were examined up to three times every week over two menstrual cycles. Blood samples and records of exercise, eating, and smoking were provided by the women as well. The research revealed that on average, a woman consumes roughly 90 milligrams of caffeine a day, which is equivalent to about one cup of coffee. The research also reported that levels of estrogen differ between various races. In Asian women, caffeinated beverages raised the hormone level, but they lowered the hormone level in white women. Dr. Enrique Schisterman, an author of the study and senior investigator at the National Institutes of Health, said, “This is important physiologically because it helps us understand how caffeine is metabolized by different genetic groups. But for women of reproductive age, drinking coffee will not alter their hormonal function in a clinically significant way.” Asian women who consumed more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day had higher estrogen levels than those who consumed less. The reverse occurred in white women. White women who drank more than 200 milligrams showed lowered estrogen levels. Black women presented a similar pattern to Asian women. Researchers also discovered that specific caffeinated beverages modified estrogen levels differently. Beverages, such as green tea and soda, created higher levels of estrogen, regardless of race. Dr. Schisterman says that various levels of antioxidants, as well as other added ingredients, may alter the effect of caffeine. Overall, the study shows that the effects of caffeine on estrogen levels are very minute in short term, and there is no problems with ovulation or overall health. In fact, some research shows that drinking coffee reduces the risk of stroke or depression, and it impedes diseases such as cancer, Type 2 Diabetes, and dementia. So there is no need to skip that coffee!