Many people are trying to decide whether they should drink coffee. There have been numerous erroneous claims made about coffee. Some people have said that coffee should not be consumed because it stunts growth and may increase the risk of cancer. However, coffee is not likely to cause any health problems if it is consumed in moderation. In fact, there are a number of health benefits that can be reaped from drinking coffee.
Coffee is filled with antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals. Free radicals are compounds in the body that have been linked to numerous illnesses including cancer, heart disease and Parkinson’s disease. Coffee can offer a protective effect against those illnesses because of it has antioxidants.
Some studies have found that coffee can help contribute to weight loss. Coffee can help raise metabolism slightly. People who have higher metabolisms are more likely to lose weight. Additionally, coffee can also act as
an appetite suppressant, which can help a person consume less food throughout the day.
Women who drink coffee daily may be able to reduce their risk of depression. There was a study published in the Archives of Internal medicine that showed that women who drink between 2 and 3 cups of coffee per day had a 15 percent reduced risk of developing depression. Those who drunk more four or more cups had a 20 percent reduced risk of developing depression.
Newer research suggests that coffee may also help protect against type II diabetes. There is a study that was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine that stated that people who drink at least one cup of coffee per day may be able to lower their risk of type II diabetes. Researchers believe that coffee may prevent the formation of deposits that can lead to type II diabetes.
Even though coffee offers many health benefits, people should make sure that they do not overdo a good thing.
Coffee has anywhere from 100-200 mg of caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant and when it is consumed in large amounts, it may cause sleeplessness, irritability and hallucinations. Additionally, adding extra cream or sugar to one’s coffee can counteract the health benefits of it.
Again, moderation is the key to reaping the health benefits of coffee. People should not drink more than four cups of coffee per day. It is also wise to avoid putting extra cream and sugar in one’s coffee.