It’s a pretty common morning routine to wake up and go for the coffee before you’ve even begun your day. If we are all being honest, most of us don’t limit ourselves to just that one cup. Now, there’s good news. The next time you reach for a cup of coffee at home or stop by your favorite coffee shop on your morning commute, you can feel a little better about your regular coffee break or breaks. While there have been conflicting studies in the past on the health benefits or detriments of regular coffee drinking, recent research is showing that it can actually boost your health in some facets when consumed in moderation.
What Is In Coffee, Anyway?
There are many reasons people choose to drink coffee. Some people go for the caffeine to stay alert, while others just like the taste. Coffee is a product of a small berry that grows on trees. The berries are harvested and processed, roasted, and ground into what we now recognize as the coffee we buy at the store. In addition to containing the well known caffeine that so many people go to coffee for, it also contains antioxidants that can actually have a positive impact on your health.
How Can Coffee Affect My Health?
Research has shown that, in addition to helping you wake up in the morning, coffee can actually help lower your risk of certain diseases including type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and potentially heart disease. Caffeine, which is a stimulant, is also known to boost brain activity and help with productivity. The USDA even added in their most recent annual dietary guidelines that daily moderate consumption of coffee can be a part of a healthy diet. This doesn’t mean you should pick up a coffee habit if you don’t already have one, but if you like having it throughout the day, you shouldn’t adjust your habits too much.
Although coffee does have health benefits when consumed in moderation, which amounts to three or four cups a day, there are some things to keep in mind before investing in a new coffee pot or heading out to your local coffee shop. For some, drinking too much caffeine can make you uneasy or restless, give you trouble sleeping, or cause headaches. If you find that this is true for you, you should consider cutting back. Additionally, consider drinking black coffee or only using milk, as the added sugar in coffee can add unwanted pounds. The American Heart Association recommends no more than half of your daily allowance of discretionary calories to come from added sugars, which amounts to roughly 6 teaspoons of sugar for women and 9 for men, which can begin to add up quickly if that all goes into your coffee.
So Should We All Grab A Cup Of Coffee?
Although these findings are positive for any coffee lovers out there, it’s important to remember that doctors recommend different levels of caffeine for different people depending on individual health needs. While moderate consumption can benefit you in certain areas, too much caffeine can also be detrimental. Furthermore, if you are pregnant or nursing, it’s important to consult directly with your doctor to help determine what level of coffee or caffeine consumption is appropriate for your individual case. Pregnancy can change how you handle caffeine and too much can be detrimental, your TWC physician can talk to you about current recommendations.
If you have any questions about your health or need to schedule an annual exam, book an appointment to visit The Woman’s Clinic today.
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