A Healthy Cup of Java

Like wine, chocolate, and even popcorn, coffee is in the group of unlikely consumables with healthy benefits.  But now, finally, there is an increased body of research that drinking coffee , even several cups per day, has its merits.  Notably,  a 13- year study conducted by the National Cancer Institute and published in the “New England Journal of Medicine,” concluded that regular coffee drinkers experienced a reduced risk of early death by up to 16 percent.  And  there are many other benefits of drinking the morning, afternoon and/or evening Joe.  (Note:drinking excessive coffee can increase levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and lead to dependence.  The keys are moderation and skipping the sugar.)

Here are the top additional benefits.

1.  Gallstone Prevention – 25 percent lower risk of gallstones

2.  Memory Improvement – long and short-term

3.  Depression Prevention – two to three cups per day may reduce your risk of depression by 15 percent

4.  Less risk for Diabetes – those who drank upwards of 4 cups per day were 50 percent less likely to develop type-2 diabetes

5.  Metabolism Boost – coffee can be helpful in maintaining or reducing weight by stimulating the metabolism, but this was only proven effective in non-obese participants

6.  Lower risk for Parkinson’s Disease – two to three cups per day can mean up to a 25 percent less chance of developing the disease

7.  Antioxidative Properties – coffee has more antioxidant activity than cocoa or tea (chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid) 

8.  Performance-Enhansing Benefits –  coffee, and the natural caffeine in it, has been shown in multiple studies to increase both endurance and short-term performance

9.  Gout Prevention – men who consumed as much as six cups per day (not recommended) had as much as a 60 percent lower risk for gout