Coffee, Green Tea, Brown Tea
Reflection
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E-Portfolio
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Research Report
Abstract
Henry Sandbergen, a Northern Marianas College student researches on the exploration of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the consumption of coffee, green tea, and brown tea, in search of the healthiest caffeinated beverage. It is important to establish the advantages and disadvantages of drinking coffee, green tea, and brown tea because these caffeinated beverages are served all around the world. This research aims to find the healthiest beverage to drink from. The student researcher collected data from surveys and questionnaires with college students and experts on Saipan. Important to the findings was that 74% of the students surveyed all drank coffee most often when compared to 26% of the students surveyed who drank green tea and brown tea most often. Key Words: caffeine, health, advantages, disadvantages, consumption, coffee, green tea, brown tea, beverages Introduction Do you drink coffee, green tea, or brown tea? In a general perspective, these are consumed all around the world. Therefore, the chances of you drinking coffee, green tea, or brown tea are fairly high. These three caffeinated beverages have significant effects on health—both positive and negative. Because they are commonly consumed worldwide, it is of utmost importance to understand the specific aspects of coffee, green tea, and brown tea which leads to my research question: which of the three caffeinated beverages is healthier? This proposal will show the listeners or readers a well-planned project with literature support, primary research, expert opinion, and a time and written schedule clearly indicating the project will be completed when due. Over the centuries, coffee, green tea, and brown tea have always been the most consumed caffeinated beverages in the world because of the culture of coffee houses and the presence of mixed races which includes a large influx of Chinese, a culture where tea is most popular. Although coffee, green tea, and brown tea are commonly consumed worldwide, many people do not know the effects they have on our health. For instance, some people might be unaware of the fact that drinking coffee contributes to the protection of certain diseases, drinking green tea could protect you from certain cancers, and drinking brown tea could lower blood pressure. In addition, recent studies have shown that coffee, green tea and brown tea have more positive than negative effects and have many benefits to our health. For this reason, it is important to establish the main health benefits associated with the consumption of coffee, green tea, and brown tea. In order to complete this task, the student researcher created a tentative plan to conduct a literature review, create surveys and questionnaires, and distribute them to college students and health experts residing on Saipan. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment is to explore the health advantages and disadvantages of coffee, green tea, and brown tea in order to distinguish which of three is ultimately the healthiest. Literature Review Coffee According to an academic journal on EBSCO, a researcher stated that “In a study with follow-up of 21 years, people who drank 3–5 cups of coffee per day during midlife were observed to have 65% reduction in risk of developing AD (Alzheimer’s Disease) later in life as compared to those who drank little or no coffee” (Chang, 2014). Another academic journal indicated “that coffee drinking lowers the risk for suicide and depression” (Guo, 2014). In addition, a recent study has shown that “Coffee is a rich source of various polyphenols. The polyphenols are known to be important antioxidant properties which are beneficial against several oxidative stress related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and aging” (Chen, 2014). Furthermore, a MayoClinic researcher stated that coffee “protects against Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes and liver disease, including liver cancer” (Hensrud, 2013). Green Tea The International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition states “Modern studies in both Asia and the West have provided encouraging results indicating that drinking green tea contributes to fighting many different kinds of cancers including stomach, esophageal, ovarian and colon” (Cooper, 2012). The academic journal also stated “Disease-fighting benefits of drinking green tea are not limited to cancer but also include cardiovascular disease” (Cooper, 2012). Furthermore, scientists conducted an experiment with mice and compared mice that had substances of green tea polyphenols with mice that had no green tea polyphenols. The results showed that “The mice exhibited a significant reduction in the incidence of arthritis (33 –50%) as compared with mice not given green tea polyphenols” (Cooper, 2012). Brown Tea The student researcher did not find many academic sources that contained information relating to the positive and negative effects of drinking brown tea. However, according to one academic journal for brown tea, it stated “that daily consumption of 4 to 5 cups of black tea can reduce BP by 1–2 mmHg” (Grevling). In other words, daily consumption of brown tea causes blood pressure to decrease over time. Therefore, this could greatly benefit people who have high blood pressure because it would serve as a type of stress reliever which would contribute to the decrease of blood pressure. Primary Research Question According to this literature review, the student researcher found that most of the health benefits were found in coffee and green tea rather than brown tea. In addition, the student researcher compared the health benefits of coffee and green tea and found that they are closely related. For example, they both have academic sources which state that they have components that protect against certain diseases. Furthermore, they both contain studies which show that daily consumption of either coffee or green tea would reduce the risk of certain diseases. Thus, the student researcher questions whether coffee is healthier than green tea or vice versa. Method The health advantages and disadvantages of coffee, green tea, and brown tea were explored through the development of surveys, questionnaires, and letters to experts. Surveys were used to gather general knowledge on the topic to gather more specific information on the advantages and disadvantages of coffee, green tea, and brown tea. Finally, letters and questionnaires were sent out to experts to gather information based on their knowledge of health in relation to coffee, green tea, and brown tea. It is important to understand the specific steps used to collect data so that similar studies can be conducted in the future. To gather a general view, the student researcher designed tools and collected data from as many individuals as possible. This process essay describes the steps used to design measurements and tools to collect data to inform the research questions posed. A pilot study was designed to collect general knowledge and to test the effectiveness of question types used. The pilot study was created in late February using an electronic survey service called “Survey Monkey.” The original survey consisted of ten questions. It was given to ten NMC students enrolled in an academic English course. The survey was distributed using a shared Google Documents page where 5 students provided feedback and suggestions on how to improve the questions asked. For example, on question 8 (see Appendix A), it was suggested to add more options so that the student researcher can gather more information and create a sense of variety in his question. Therefore, the questions were redrafted (see Appendix B). Question one was a demographic question asking about gender, nationality, and age, etc. this information is important because it allowed for variables to be analyzed later. The NMC student survey was developed from a redraft of the earlier pilot study. It was distributed to collect general information from the student researcher’s peers on the health advantages and disadvantages of coffee, green tea, and brown tea in Saipan. Some questions were moved to the demographics (see question 1, Appendix C) to provide room for additional questions as the free survey service limits questions to ten. The survey was distributed using an electronic link on Google Drive. Out of the 23 individuals who participated in answering the student researcher’s survey, there were 13 females and 10 males. 6 participants were Filipino, 7 were Chamorro, 2 were Chamorro/Filipino, 2 were Pacific Islander, 2 were American, 1 was Caucasian, 1 was Carolinian, 1 was US, and 1 was US/Australian. Important to the findings was knowing what caffeinated beverage they think is healthiest for them. The student researcher prepared a formal letter which was sent off to various experts on the research topic through “Gmail.” The letter was approved by the course instructor and contained a four item questionnaire. For the first question, the student researcher asked the expert to explain the positive and negative effects of drinking coffee, green tea, and brown tea on people’s overall mental and physical health. Next, on question two, the student researcher asked if there are any major advantages or disadvantages for individuals and communities from drinking coffee, green tea, or brown tea. On question three, the student researcher asked if there were any specific cultural or religious connection between individuals, their communities, and the caffeinated beverage they choose. Lastly, on question four, the student researcher asked if the expert has observed any instances where people were addicted to one of these caffeinated beverages and had difficulty quitting caffeine drinks. Ultimately, The student researcher asked these questions so that the information on the health advantages and disadvantages of drinking coffee, green tea, or brown tea would be academic and precise because of the expert’s educational background of being a Public Health Nutritionist. Through the development of surveys, questionnaires, and letters to experts, specific information on the health advantages and disadvantages of drinking coffee, green tea, or brown tea were gathered and collected. In addition, a pilot study was designed for the purpose of improving survey questions which were then given to NMC students to gather information based on their answers. The student researcher also prepared and electronically sent out a letter to experts which was based on the advantages and disadvantages of drinking coffee, green tea, or brown tea. Analysis The health advantages and disadvantages of coffee, green tea, and brown tea were explored and analyzed based on the general view of the participants on Saipan. These findings are important because future researchers with similar studies could build their ideas upon this information. To gather a general view, the student researcher designed tools and collected data from as many individuals as possible. This analysis describes the main findings on the topic of coffee, green tea, and brown tea based on the survey and questionnaire that was distributed. The specific data was analyzed through an electronic survey service called “Survey Monkey.” Twenty three randomly selected people took a survey regarding coffee, green tea, and brown tea. Out of 23 people, 10 were males and 13 were females. Their ages ranged from 16 to 40 with the average age being 19 years old. In regards to their nationality, 6 were Filipino, 7 were Chamorro, 2 were Chamorro/Filipino, 2 were Pacific Islander, 2 were American, 1 was Caucasian, 1 was Carolinian, 1 was US, and 1 was US/Australian. According to Survey Monkey, 74% of the participants drink coffee most often whereas 26% of the participants drink green tea and brown tea most often. Based on the survey, there were similar views and perceptions on the taste of coffee, green tea, and brown tea. For coffee, most of the participants perceived it as “sweet” or “bitter.” In regards to green tea, most of them perceived it as “bitter.” Lastly, for brown tea, most of them perceived it as “sweet.” In addition, the majority of the participants prefer drinking them hot instead of cold. These similarities show that they generally perceive coffee, green tea, and brown tea as bitter or sweet beverages that are best when consumed hot. This indicates that the participants have comparisons despite their differences in age, gender, and nationality. Moreover, according to the data collected in Survey monkey, all of the participants stated similar views on the positive and negative effects of coffee, green tea, and brown tea. For coffee, one participant stated that “It increases energy levels.” On the contrary, however, the participant contended that it “Results in energy crash.” Most of the participants’ views were based on this concept. For brown tea, most of the participants did not know any positive effects. One participant stated that it is a “thirst quencher,” however, the participant argued that it will be “hard on stomach” and also contended that brown tea is often “served with sugar which is not good.” As for green tea, most of the participants perceived this beverage as a “refreshment” that is healthy and gives “relaxation” to the body. The student researcher had also prepared and sent a questionnaire to, Public Health Nutritionist, Aileen Creed to get the perspective of an expert who is educated in the field. In question one (see Appendix C), the student researcher asked if there were any positive or negative effects associated with drinking coffee, green tea, or brown tea. In response, the health expert stated “caffeine does not have any really good effects that I can see” and also contended that it “tends to produce depression, causes drug withdrawal symptoms, causes or worsens psychiatric illness, interferes with sleep, may influence the risk of other illnesses that in turn exert frontal lobe effects through physical or mental stress, may exert effects that impact on spiritual and social dimensions of our character, can cause toxicity and even death, impairs physical and mental performance.” From the expert’s perspective, there are more negative effects than positive effects being stated about the consumption of coffee, green tea, and brown tea. Conclusion In summation, the health advantages and disadvantages of coffee, green tea, and brown tea were explored and analyzed through surveys and questionnaires based on the participants’ holistic views and perceptions. The student researcher found that age, gender, and nationality did not affect the perspectives of the participants. Moreover, according to the data collected in Survey Monkey and the analysis conducted, the participants had many similar views which differed from the expert’s views on the health advantages of coffee, green tea, and brown tea. Although the views were not similar, the majority of the information collected arguably promotes the consumption of these caffeinated beverages with equal emphasis on coffee and green tea. Reference List Chang, K. H. (2014). Gas Chromatography Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. (GC-TOF-MS)-Based Metabolomics for Comparison of Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee and Its Implications for Alzheimer's Disease, 1-7. Chen, J. (2014). Tea and Coffee Consumption and Risk of Laryngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review Meta-Analysis. 1-15. Cooper, R. (2012). Green Tea and Theanine: health benefits. International Journal of Food Sciences & Nutrition. Greyling, A. (2014). The Effect of Black Tea on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. 1-9. Guo, X. (2014). Sweetened Beverages, Coffee, and Tea and Depression Risk among Older US Adults. 1-7. Hensrud, D. (2013). Coffee and Health. Retrieved February 12, 2015, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/coffee-and-health/faq-20058339 Uccella, S. (2013). Intake of caoffee, caffeine and other methylxanthines and risk of Type I vs Type II endometrial cancer. British Journal of Cancer, 7. Data Collected
Questionnaire
Person Interviewed. Public Health Nutritionist, Doctor Aileen Creed Q1: From your experience with health and nutrition, what are the positive and negative effects of drinking coffee, green tea and brown tea on people’s overall physical health and mental health? A: Caffeine does not have any really good effects that I can see. It tends to produce depression, causes drug withdrawal symptoms, causes or worsens psychiatric illness, interferes with sleep, may influence the risk of other illnesses that in turn exert frontal lobe effects through physical or mental stress, may exert effects that impact on spiritual and social dimensions of our character, can cause toxicity and even death, impairs physical and mental performance. Q2: In your opinion, are there any major advantages or disadvantages for individuals and communities from drinking any these caffeinated beverages? If so, please explain. A: They are social drugs. Besides the above as a Christian they may affect things like gossiping because people use them in social settings where these types of things happen. Q3: Have you observed any cultural, familial or tribal connections between individuals their communities and the caffeinated beverage they choose? A: I think that in the past there were cultural drinks because those items were available. Now with transportation so easily done, we see people all over the world drinking these drinks but there still maybe cultural drinks that they have used for many generations. Q4: Have you observed any instances where people were addicted to a one of these caffeine beverages and had difficulty quitting caffeine drinks Yes or No? What methods have you observed as best when someone wishes to reduce the amount they drink? A: Yes, I think that trying to cut back is harder than just quitting at one time. Choose a date. Prepare for it. Then do it. This seems to be the best way in my experience. |