Millions of us jumpstart our day with coffee. Should we worry about health risks associated with drinking caffeine?
A plethora of studies have examined possible links between caffeine and health issues like cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis, but no evidence has been found to link moderate caffeine intake to health risks.
The latest research confirms that coffee consumption (in moderation) reduces risk of:
- Colon cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver damage
- Parkinson's disease
- Gallstones
Coffee has been show to improve:
- Endurance performance in long-duration physical activities
- Cognitive function (including alertness and short-term memory)
Studies have also shown that coffee contains four times the cancer-fighting antioxidants as green tea.
That said, caffeine is mildly addictive and acts as a stimulant. Its cardiovascular effects should be noted:
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Occasional irregular heartbeat
Coffee is like any other substance we put into our body. Don't overdo it. Most research shows that 250-300 milligrams of caffeine (2-3 cups of coffee) per day will provide the positive benefits we coffee lovers are after.
Enjoy your coffee and the positive benefits to your body and psyche!
