The Overlooked Health Benefits of Coffee Articles | Cooking

By: Adam Thompson

Coffee is one of those foods that most people overlook the health benefits, thinking only of the negative effects of drinking too much. The truth is, though, that when used in moderation, coffee is actually good for you.

A huge favorite in offices, and considered a part of the perfect breakfast, coffee has always been thought of as a good defense against fatigue. But is there more to coffee than just energy boosting caffeine?

Believe it or not, coffee is in fact a rich source of antioxidants. While the aging process creates harmful free radicals in your body, the antioxidants from coffee work to neutralize them, protecting your body from many harms of aging.

Coffee has some particular health benefits for those with diabetes. Components that are known to improve insulin production and its sensitivity in the body, like chlorogenic acid, tocopherols and minerals such as magnesium, are present in coffee. Decaffeinated or decaffeinated, coffee is still helpful in prevention of diabetes in its drinkers, though decaffeinated coffee is only attributed to be only half as effective as the caffeinated variation.

Similarly, coffee may play a role in the prevention of Parkinson's Disease and colon cancer as well. Research indicates that regular coffee drinkers have 80% less risk of Parkinson’s and 25% less risk of Colon Cancer. Asthma is also on the hit list of this wonder beverage, as we can term it now.

Researchers have proven that those who drink coffee have a lower risk of stone formation, while those who had greater intakes of apple and grape fruit juice suffered from the ailment more often.

Tea and coffee have long been considered "wake up" drinks. Coffee is generally the stronger in caffeine of the two though and thus works to perk up your brain more. Coffee also improves alertness, so it's great if you are working, studying, or just out and about late at night.

Excess of anything can have adverse affects, though, and that's true for coffee. It is not advisable for pregnant women, or heart patients to take high amounts of coffee, and in some people it can cause hyper activity and trembling of hands. Drinking excess amounts of coffee (or any decaffeinated drink) can make you mildly addicted to it and cause minor side effects. In moderation, though, coffee has some amazing health benefits!

Another drink that can improve your health is goji juice. Learn more it at Goji Juice Goodness.