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Is Coffee Healthier With Food?
Coffee may seem like an instant energy boost, but it also boasts numerous health benefits that go beyond its caffeine boost. Studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce heart disease risk, control diabetes, and enhance brain function – not everyone can enjoy their cup without adding extra ingredients and sugar that add calories but with some modifications it can still provide all its health advantages!
As the primary change, eliminating all non-dairy milk and sugar from your coffee is probably the easiest and healthiest change you can make. Even when using alternative sweeteners like Stevia or splenda, added sugar isn’t doing your body any good – instead opt for unsweetened or light flavored options when drinking your cup and consider adding herbs with curcuminoids that could possibly aid cancer patients and help support digestion health such as turmeric which contains curcuminoids that could aid cancer fighting capabilities and support digestive wellness.
Utilizing cold water rather than hot when making coffee can also increase its antioxidant content. As it takes longer for the water to brew, more polyphenols contained within beans will be released during their brewing. When selecting beans from high altitude areas like Central and South America or Ethiopia for maximum benefit of their polyphenol content.
Those who enjoy coffee should consider switching to a darker roast, which are typically roasted at higher temperatures and provide more chlorogenic acid – known to reduce inflammation and delay muscle loss associated with aging according to a 2022 BMJ study.
Keep in mind when reviewing studies about the health benefits of coffee that many studies are associational in nature; other lifestyle factors, like exercising more often or eating a healthier diet as well as improved access to healthcare may contribute to lower mortality rates attributed to coffee consumption.
Research suggests that drinking coffee can be beneficial to one’s health, however not everyone may find this an acceptable practice. Coffee may cause stomach upset, increased urination and heart palpitations for some individuals; in addition, it may interfere with certain medications (antidepressants, thyroid medication and antibiotics for UTIs). Therefore, drinking it responsibly and with a balanced meal is the optimal approach. Before trying a new beverage, be sure to consult your physician first. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises pregnant women to limit coffee as it increases risk for miscarriage; specifically more than 200 milligrams daily of caffeine; that would equal four 8-ounce cups. Furthermore, those with family histories of liver problems and hepatitis should limit consumption as this may contribute to liver complications or worsen existing ones.