Is Coffee Healthy?

          I'm sure the majority of you out there start your day off with a cup of coffee.  Just what is in that coffee?  Is it healthy?  Well, the answer may just surprise you.  First of all, remember coffee is a herb, or bean if you prefer.  These beans are complex fruits that contain over 1,000 compounds.  Coffee is packed with anti-oxidants, probably the greatest source in the American diet. 

          The average coffee drinker consumes 3.1 cups per day.  Research has found that larger volumes - maybe 4-12 cups a day can prevent many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease.  But even drinking just one cup a day can decrease the risk of developing diabetes by 13%. 

          Not all coffees will provide the same protection against disease.  The process of roasting will destroy some polyphenols, mainly chlorogenic acid.  Whenever this is destroyed you lose some of your anti-oxidant benefits.  Meaning that you have to drink more to get the benefits.  New processes are being utilized to retain more of these compounds. 

          Other benefits of coffee include lowered risk of kidney stones, gallstones, gall bladder disease, boost weight loss, prevents constipation, and promotes fat metablolism.  Caffeine will sometimes relieve headaches.  Although I am not an advocate of pain medication, caffeine will boost their effectiveness and cause them to be absorbed more quickly.  Caffeine will also raise your blood pressure, so be sure you don't overdo it.  You will get the same benefits from decaf as from regular coffee. 

          Of course, I shouldn't have to say this but leave the creamer and sugar out.  Just drink it black.  It won't do you much good if you load it down with all the bad stuff. 

Stay Strong!