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Is it Healthy to Drink Coffee?
Are You Worried about Coffee Consumption Being Healthy? Thankfully, no evidence supports this statement and moderate coffee drinking in moderation should not be harmful to most individuals who follow a heart-healthy diet – in fact it could even be beneficial.
Over time, scientists have observed several connections between coffee consumption and various positive health outcomes, such as:
Coffee may help prevent cancer. Coffee contains plant compounds with antioxidant properties that may protect against certain forms of cancers. Furthermore, drinking coffee has been found to speed up metabolism and support weight loss; its consumption may reduce cholesterol levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and prevent fat absorption into the gut.
Studies indicate that coffee may also reduce your risk of liver disease and Type 2 diabetes as well as depression and suicide. People who regularly drink two to three cups of coffee may be less likely to develop kidney stones than those who don’t drink any coffee at all.
Good news is, to reap these benefits of coffee you don’t need to stop adding milk and sugar entirely; evidence shows black coffee is just as beneficial when taken in moderation. However, adding fattening ingredients such as dairy or sugar alters this equation and can negate any positive benefits.
One study linked drinking one caffeinated coffee per day to a 3% reduced risk of death; other research indicates that daily consumption of between one and three cups was linked with lower rates of mortality from all causes and specific diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
While coffee may not be a panacea, its health benefits are significant and impressive. Individuals who drink 3-5 cups per day of coffee have been linked with lower risk for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes and liver diseases as well as lower suicide and depression rates.
However, if you have any specific health concerns, always consult with your physician prior to making changes in your diet. While research may support sipping coffee in moderation and may have several health benefits; just ensure you limit how much sugar or cream is added and stay within the recommended maximum amounts.
