The buzz on caffeine

This was the same conclusion as the authors of the Nurses' Health Study, an epic 25-year study of disease and women's health and lifestyle habits. They reported that 'drinking coffee in moderation appears to have few, if any, adverse consequences.' The study also failed to find evidence to support the link between coffee and increased risk of heart disease and cancer, as well as any difference in the risk of heart disease among women who drank six cups a day compared to those who totally abstained.

But experts like Antony Haynes are highly sceptical about many of the recent positive findings. And in spite of unfounded evidence on the negative effects of coffee, the Nurses' Health Study did note that coffee's effect on calcium absorption could make excessive caffeine intake a bad idea for post-menopausal women at risk of osteoporosis. Dr Doyle agrees that the evidence relating to a high caffeine intake and miscarriage is worrying. 'It's wise to keep caffeine from coffee and other sources - such as tea, energy drinks and chocolate - to a minimum if you're pregnant,' she says.

So, despite being one of the most researched beverages around, no one has come up with a definitive 'yes' or 'no' answer to the question of coffee and health. Dr Doyle and Antony Haynes agree on one thing, however. Smoking, lack of exercise and excess alcohol are more serious issues than having a few cups of coffee. 'A daily cup isn't going to do you much harm, but if you want optimum energy and health, you'll be better off without it,' says Haynes. While Haynes might be adamant about the detrimental effects of coffee, the rest of the jury is still out - most likely getting a nice, frothy cappuccino.

For further information on the benefits and dangers of caffeine, you can contact Antony Haynes by email at the Nutrition Clinic at information@thenutritionclinic.com

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