Contrary to popular belief, coffee provides the drinker with a number of health benefits. Studies have indicated that coffee can provide benefits in both the short and long term. That is not to say that there are not some risks inherent with consumption of the beverage – but a number of commonly believed negatives are actually myths. Here is a look at some of the positives associated with consumption of the world’s most popular breakfast beverage.

Studies have shown that coffee can actually stave off disease over the long term. Regular drinkers show less susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and certain types of cancers compared to a control population. This is likely linked to the high level of antioxidants found in coffee. Antioxidants are known to promote brain health and even stave off heart disease (note: in the case of coffee, the benefits to the heart may be offset by the increased levels of caffeine within the beverage). The antioxidants in coffee may also be beneficial over the short term to those who enjoy exercise. Oxidants can lead to muscular fatigue before, during, and after exercise – antioxidants can help relieve pain, increase endurance, and prevent injuries.

So what is the basis for coffee’s less than stellar health reputation? First, a number of people do see poor health effects from the beverage’s consumption. However, a large number of these effects do not actually come from the drink itself, but actually the cream and sugar that they poor into the drink. I have seen more than a few people who really consume morning creamer with a hint of coffee. This can obviously lead to an increase in calories and fat calories consumed and the negative effects that are correlated with such. For people who use artificial sweeteners, there may also be increased risks in cancers. Cancer has been linked to artificial sweeteners (and the substance saccharine) in a number of lab studies. Second, there are some negative effects to drinking coffee. Large levels of consumption can lead to higher cholesterol. This increases the risk of heart disease or stroke. There are risks associated with large levels of caffeine consumption (also associated with heart disease). Obviously, coffee is one of the most caffeine filled of all beverages.

Like nearly everything else, the health benefits are best felt by drinking coffee in moderation. Studies by organizations have shown that one cup a day is correlated to generally healthier individuals. The good outweighs the bad at this level of moderation. Once consumption rises to two cups per day, health risks increase to the point where this balance may no longer be in place. However, there exist some strange results in studies beyond this level. Once coffee consumption is raised to four or five cups per day, the benefits may outweigh the bad (compared to just 2 to 3 cups) over the long term again. The Wall Street Journal conducted a study that showed that coffee consumption at these levels provided greater reduction of long term diseases. Of course, the short term issues such as jitteriness and headaches provide incentive not to consume at these levels.

The moral is that just one cup a day is best for most individuals. However, if you are going to drink two cups a day, you might be better off drinking 5!

Author Bio: By Felix Chesterfield III; For more information on coffee, its health benefits, or a coffee vendor near you, please contact the author or visit the link to learn more.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Coffee, antioxidants, parkinsons