Does your morning ritual include a cup of coffee (or two) to kick your day off to a fresh start?
Despite warnings from doctors over the past years that coffee may be hard on the body, people have remained devoted to the drink. But is it really bad for you?
Photo via Communicaffe
For years, doctors have warned people to avoid coffee because it might increase the risk of heart disease and stunt growth.
They’re also worried that people could become addicted to the energy that high amounts of caffeine provide, leading them to crave more and more coffee as they become tolerant to the high amounts of caffeine.
But actually, new research is showing that coffee may have some positive effects on the body after all…
Is coffee good for you?
According to TIME, studies have shown that people who drink coffee regularly may have an 11% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-drinkers, thanks to ingredients in coffee that can affect levels of hormones involved in metabolism.
Photo via Taste of Home
Researchers also found that those who drank several cups of coffee a day - anywhere from two to four cups actually had lower risk of stroke. Wow!
Heart experts say the benefit may come from coffee’s effect on the blood vessels, by keeping vessels flexible and healthy, it may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which can cause heart attacks
Coffee is also high in antioxidants, which are known to fight the oxidative damage that can cause cancer. That may explain why some studies have found a lower risk of liver cancer among coffee drinkers.
However, one downside is that people may become dependent on caffeine (no surprise to any regular coffee-drinker who takes a coffee break) but doctors don’t consider the dependence anywhere close to as worrisome as addiction to drugs…
And though unpleasant, coffee “withdrawals” do include headaches, irritability and fatigue.
How much coffee is safe?
Like so many other foods, too much coffee can cause problems, especially in the digestive tract. But studies have shown that drinking up to four cups of coffee per day is safe!
Remember, moderation is key. Sipping coffee in reasonable amounts just might be one of the healthiest things you can do!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
