More than Just Your Average Joe

It’s one of America’s favorite drinks- enjoyed by young and old. Coffee comes in different flavors and sizes but often gets a bad rep of being “unhealthy”. However studies have shown that there a many heath benefits of coffee and drinking multiple cups a day is even better. Not only does it give you that extra boost of energy to get you through the day but could also lower your risk of developing colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease and even type 2 diabetes. Now beware because six cups of coffee will drastically raise your blood pressure and even dehydrate you. So for all the coffee lovers, three cups a days should do it.

How does coffee help you? Coffee has a lot of different compounds and chemicals that may help to prevent different kinds of disease. Coffee actually has lots of antioxidants in it. It’s the number one source of antioxidants for Americans. These antioxidants will protect you from cancer and other diseases. Coffee is also known to have compounds called quinines. These quinines improve the body’s reaction the insulin, which is why it’s said to help with diabetes. The most well known chemical in coffee is caffeine. Caffeine is said to not only cure headaches but to also can give you and extra boost of energy. Not to say before you go run a marathon its best to drink a cup of coffee but the caffeine in coffee will stimulate your brain and nervous system. Coffee drinking will also help students study late at night for exams because it keeps them alert to focus on their studies. These are just some of the many kinds of chemicals and compounds in coffee that can help your body.

Just think - preventing some cancers and diseases can be as easy as drinking two to three cups of coffee throughout the day! However, that doesn’t mean to prevent Parkinson’s disease you should run out and get a large latte from Starbucks with six shots of vanilla flavoring and extra whip cream. Drinks like lattes and espressos are swimming with calories and fat. Not to mention they can ad inches to your waist line or other areas. The key to prevention is to drink your coffee black. Also to cut down on calories try paper- filtered and instant coffees. Another thing to keep in mind is that caffeine is sure to raise your blood pressure, so drink decaf every once and a while. But don’t fret because it has the same amount as antioxidants as caffeinated so you’re not missing out on anything. A healthier tomorrow is only a few sips away.