Coffee has been widely linked to an array of health benefits including: decreased occurrences of type-2 diabetes; lower risks of Parkinson’s disease; lower risk of colorectal cancer; lower mortality rates; decreased skin cancer risk; and decreased rates of heart failure.  Some studies have deemed coffee unhealthy, but according to others, this claim proves inconsistent and improvable.  There are disadvantages to drinking coffee such as irritability and insomnia, but in general, coffee proves beneficial. In honor of National Coffee Month, pour yourself a cup or two and reap the following benefits.

A study in the journal Food Science and Nutrition cited coffee as being associated with a reduced the incidence of both metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus.  Researchers believe this is due to coffee’s antioxidants and its ability to enhance insulin sensitivity, which results in decreased glucose storage.  Specifically, caffeine affects glucose metabolism through increased uncoupling protein expression and lipid oxidation.  This causes decreased glucose storage as well, thus reducing the extent of diabetes mellitus. The same study also attributed coffee to lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease.  Researchers theorize that this lower risk may be due to antioxidants acting on neural pathways that affect one's risk for Parkinson's. However, the study also said that water intake must be included to reap these benefits.

Additional research reveals that coffee may lower the risk for many other conditions. Certain acids and fiber in coffee may protect against colorectal cancer and skin cancer (specifically basil cell carcinoma), and coffee consumption may also decrease the risk for developing heart failure by 11% (compared to the risk for non-coffee drinkers), but that this decreased risk comes with a two eight-ounce cup limit, with protective benefits undermined after 4 cups.

Drinking coffee does not mean that you will not suffer from the aforementioned conditions; researchers show that it only lowers one’s chances.  There are many other factors to consider such as lifestyle, environment, and genetics. Coffee should not be used solely as a preventive measure, nor should it be considered a reliable treatment for any condition. Additionally, results of the myriad coffee studies are conflicting as far as how much is too much or how little is too little to reap the most benefits. Continued study is required to determine the ideal amount and to understand the mechanisms behind any benefits.

In the meantime, enjoy the 'jo. Cheers to good health.

Sources:

Coffee and Mortality

Coffee and Skin Cancer

Coffee and Heart Failure

 

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Comments

Hmm, I was never a coffee drinker - I'm more of a green tea person... I wonder how the health benefits of those two compare.

I am a die heart fan of coffee and drink at least five to six cups a day. I didn't know that it had health benefits as well but after reading the article I am very happy.

Interesting post! I actually haven't been drinking much coffee as I've heard it has effects on testosterone (clearly this isn't applicable on your blog) but I had no clue about all the health benefits associated with drinking 1-2 cups of joe a day! Considering how it's summer and kind of hot, I'm assuming iced coffee would be an adequate alternative? What about milk and cream, does this study just involve straight, dark coffee? I would like to think it should take the milk and cream into consideration. Thanks again!

What a perfect blend! Coffee and women's health. As a Life Coach for women, the fascination of coffee's benefits has been a topic of increasing interest.

The thing is you have to take into consideration the bad things about drinking coffee also. For example, someone with anxiety could be made a lot worse if they up their coffee intake. I think with most diet related stuff, there are good things AND bad things, you just have to find the balance that works for you.

That's quite good to know. One reason more for my cup of coffee in the morning - or my two or three, to be honest. Thought it coffee has just negative aspects until today.

I have never been able to drink coffee or any other product with caffeine for that matter, it gives me a headache, so it obviously doesn't agree with me.

i love coffee, very interesting article for people to like to know more about coffee

<strong>There Are Many Benefits From&#160;Coffee!!!!...</strong> Coffee is much healthier than you thought, and can actually work wonders for your health if taken in moderation. Increases Alertness. Caffeine dilates and opens up the airways. Is rich in Antioxidants. Helps burn extra calories by boosting your metabol...

I just love cofee I don't care whether it is bad for health or whatever. Nice article by the way.