Too much coffee may increase death risk - study

WASHINGTON DC -- A new study linked heavy coffee drinking to increased death risk among people under 55 years old.

Published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, the study found a statistically significant 21 percent increased mortality among those drinking more than 28 cups of coffee a week or 4 cups of coffee a day.

The risk for death from all causes rose by more than 50 percent for men and women younger than 55 years but no adverse effects were found in heavy coffee drinkers aged over 55, it said.

University of South Carolina researchers examined coffee consumption of over 43,000 individuals aged 20 and 87 years from 1971 to 2002.

During the 17-year median follow-up period, more than 2,500 participants died.

The study found among younger men a trend toward higher mortality even at lower consumption but this became significant at about 28 cups per week where there was a 56 percent increase in mortality from all causes.

Younger women who consumed more than 28 cups of coffee per week had double the risk of dying from all causes than those who did not drink coffee, the study continued.

"For those drinking high amounts, there should be some caution as this dose is associated with at least a signal for increased total mortality in this large study, especially in those under 55 years of age," the study's co-author Xuemei Sui from University of South Carolina in Columbia told Xinhua on Friday.

Coffee has long been suspected of contributing to several chronic health conditions although earlier studies on coffee consumption in relation to deaths from all causes and deaths from coronary heart disease are limited and the results are often controversial.

"No organization has specific recommendations for coffee drinking - lots out there are based on published studies which yet reach a definite conclusion," Sui said. "My review is that it is safe to drink low doses (one to two cups and probably two to three cups per day) of coffee with even some potential benefits of the low dose. Really, moderation is key. Avoid excess drinking coffee."

source: interaksyon.com

Anne Curtis meets SMC boss Ramon Ang, finds him ‘very humble’

Anne Curtis made a courtesy call to San Miguel Corporation president and COO Ramon Ang on Friday morning two days before her scheduled appearance as the muse of the San Mig Coffee Mixers at the PBA opening ceremonies on Sunday.

“Was finally able to meet Business Tycoon Ramon Ang today alongside the San Miguel Coffee players. For a man of such power he is very humble,” the actress posted on her Facebook and Twitter accounts.

This was preceded by this message: “Now rushing to Shoooooowtime! Time for more coffee para todo listo!!!!”

The “It’s Showtime” co-host recently added San Migue Coffee Super Packs to her portfolio of product endorsements. She is also the image model for two other San Miguel products, GSM Blue and Magnolia Health Drinks.



She was also the muse of Barangay Ginebra during one of the PBA opening ceremonies in 2010.

The 27-year-old, labeled by fans as the National Sweetheart and Princess of All Media, has lost count of her brand ambassadorships.

“I’m not sure. Siguro around 25 na. Around that number siguro,” she said during the media conference for San Mig Coffee two weeks ago.

“It’s another blessing na dumating sa akin. It only means na I did something good na naman. I’m happy to endorse this new product because, basically, coffee drinker ako,” she noted.

Anne was named Best Actress at the FAMAS Awards on Tuesday for her performance in last year’s blockbuster hit “No Other Woman”.

The follow-up film that  reunites her with leading man Derek Ramsey, “A Secret Affair”, will open next month in theaters nationwide.

source: interaksyon.com

Designer toys for coffee drinkers

MANILA, Philippines - When we look at how toys have changed – from the wooden miniatures of the past to the gadgets and gizmos of today – we’ll find that toys have gradually developed complex representations, an interesting mix of visual culture. Enter designer toys – collectibles produced in limited editions by artists and designers, who are either self-taught or classically trained in graphic design and illustration.








A treat for collectors and memorabilia enthusiasts, designer toys are the focal point in the third installment of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Taste Series, a series of events set to highlight individual passions by showcasing a distinct life interest.


Dubbed “Avant Cup: Contemporary Art Appreciation with CBTL,” the event ran last August at the South Court of the Power Plant Mall. Avant Cup featured contemporary toys from Secret Fresh, the local haven for modern toy collectors, who are very much into vinyl figures incorporating various influences, from graffiti, comics, film and animation to music, architecture, fine art and design.


“In Avant Cup, we decided to showcase the ingenuity and creativity essential in designing limited-edition vinyl toys to reflect our commitment to delivering premium handcrafted beverages,” shares Walden Chu, president of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Philippines. “As part of our Taste Series, Avant Cup seeks to engage the local toy market to get them further immersed in contemporary collectibles complementing their fine tastes, while savoring brewed perfection in the form of our quality drinks.”

Featuring solo and collaborative works from Secret Fresh’s pool of talented artists, namely, Christian Tamondong (in collaboration with Huck Gee), Nemo Aguila, and Whoop, the week-long event also served as a venue to sample and purchase CBTL, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s single-serve beverage system.

For the whole week, customers availed of a special CBTL Single Serve Beverage System set for P14,950. The set, which is valued at P25,000, includes a CBTL Machine, a CBTL Milk Frother, a CBTL Sampler Pack (made up of 12 assorted capsules), and 10 CBTL Premium Coupons.

Born out of a partnership between The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and the prestigious Italian capsule system brand Caffitaly, CBTL can produce premium espresso, brewed coffee and tea. It offers coffee and tea aficionados a convenient way to enjoy over 70 variants of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf specialty drinks, in the comfort of their own home, with just a touch of a button.

“CBTL makes it possible for anyone to enjoy The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s distinct café experience wherever they might be. Just plug the machine, put in a capsule, push a single button, and you can enjoy a steaming hot drink with the same gourmet flavor, exquisite aroma, and carefully blended consistency found in any drink purchased from our stores,” shares Chu.

source: philstar.com