What if we told you that drinking up to six cups of coffee a day will not increase your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or have any other negative consequences on your overall health? If you are a coffee drinker, you are probably getting ready to do a happy dance.
Who says coffee isn’t bad?
According to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, which observed 130,000 healthy men and women in their 40s and 50s, regular coffee consumption – up to six 8-ounce cups a day – did not increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease or death from any cause! This was over a span of 18 to 24 years, too, so the researchers at Harvard did their homework.
Why does coffee get such a bad rap?
One word: Mochalattespressocino.
People who drink a few mugs of coffee each day, adding just a little bit of milk and/or raw sugar (not the bleached white kind) are reaping the natural benefits of coffee. On the other hand, people who order a 24-ounce Frappucino with whipped cream every morning are consuming nearly 500 extra calories largely made up of fat and sugar. Over time, that extra fat and sugar intake could lead to weight gain and even Type II diabetes. That’s part of the reason coffee is right up there with alcohol and cigarettes when it comes to bad habits. Clearly, coffee should not be in the same category with things that take years off your life!
Are there really health benefits that come from drinking coffee?
More research is still needed to confirm this notion, but several studies over the past few years suggest that coffee may help protect against Type II diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, and even lower the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
While investigation continues on the long-term health benefits of coffee, there are a few immediate and practical short-term benefits that all of us Java Joes have undoubtedly experienced firsthand:
Caffeine (a naturally occurring stimulant) increases energy levels and boosts your metabolism by three to 11 percent, which may actually help you burn fat.
Coffee contains nutrients including Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, magnesium and potassium.
Coffee contains antioxidants, and we don’t consume enough of these!
So, there you have it. Commence happy dancing and enjoy your favorite brew, guilt-free!
Want to know more about how the foods you eat affect your health? Click here to make an appointment for Food Sensitivity Testing at AC Spine & Wellness Center.
Remember, organic is best – even when it comes to coffee. For a list of organic, Fair Trade coffees that ship directly to your home, click here.
Or, visit Café Campesino in Atlanta at the Sweet Auburn Market and at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to taste organic, Fair Trade coffee from their roastery in Americus, GA.
