Coffee Is a Health Drink

Caffeinated coffee is a health drink! More and more studies are coming out that show the many health advantages of caffeinated coffee. Some of these can be attributed to caffein alone, and some come from the coffee.

• May reduce the risk of suicide among women.
• Helps prevent gallstones and symptomatic gallbladder disease in men.
• Contains caffeine-related compounds (theophylline) that can alleviate the symptoms of asthma in some cases.
• Can increase alertness and prolong waking hours.
• May improve short-term recall.
• Promotes the effectiveness of certain migraine drugs.
• May reduce the risk of cirrhosis of the liver among heavy drinkers.
• May postpone muscle fatigue and thus enhance athletic performance and endurance.
• May protect against free radical damage to tissues - one study found that coffee has more antioxidant activity than red wine, green or black tea, or orange juice.
• May help prevent Parkinson’s by reducing the deposits in the brain that cause it.
• Acts as an anti-inflamatory (similar to Ibuprofen).

It is important to note, however, that if you overdo it, coffee can have risks as well. Just like many other things, you must take your coffee in moderation to give you the benefits and lower the risks. Most of these risks are only risks in large doses.

• Increases blood pressure among people with high blood pressure.
• Causes insomnia, anxiety, and irritability.
• May worsen symptoms of PMS in some women.
• Can reduce fertility in women trying to conceive.
• Can cause heartburn and indigestion.
• May increase the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
• May increase blood levels of homocysteine and the associated risk of cardiovascular disease.