Weekly
Healthy Advice From VÄXA
Improve Your Health with
Coffee?
Whether you prefer
Starbucks, Barney's or Joffrey's, have your morning cup of
java guilt-free. The latest research has indicated that there
are positive health benefits regarding coffee consumption
and the prevention of numerous health concerns, including
but not limited to chronic degenerative diseases, which are
unfortunately on the rise in the United States.
Coffee's Antioxidant Powers - The Latest Buzz
A recent study focusing on the relationship between coffee
consumption and diabetes in women has further substantiated
the existing belief that antioxidants may aid in the improvement
of health. Drinking lots of coffee cut women's risk of developing
diabetes in an 11-year study, researchers report. But it was
the antioxidants, not caffeine, in the brew that probably
did the trick. In fact, diabetes risk was reduced most in
participants who preferred decaffeinated coffee, the researchers
said. (HealthDay by Medline Plus) The research was conducted
and led by Mark A. Pereira, an associate professor of epidemiology
and community health at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
This study showed that a 22% decrease in risk of type 2 diabetes
with those women who drank more than 6 cups of coffee daily
and a 33% decrease in risk of those who drank more than 6
cups a day of decaffeinated coffee. Although this study focused
on women, other studies demonstrate an even bigger reduction
in the risk for men who consume the antioxidant rich beverage.
Chlorogenic acid is another component of coffee that may assist
in preventing diabetes. According to Harvard researcher Rob
van Dam, chlorogenic acid may slow the absorption of sugars
within cells of the body.
Coffee consumption is one of the many so-called "bad
habits" that Americans have an insatiable appetite for.
According to Forbes.com, "In the U.S. alone-which is
the world's largest coffee consumer-the National Coffee Association
of U.S.A. (NCA) estimates that retail sales alone are $19.2
billion." While caffeine addiction has received a lot
of negative attention from the press, coffee consumption is
not without its benefits.
Like anything in life, moderation is a key element to success.
Too much caffeine can be detrimental to our health. Consider
drinking small amounts of the caffeinated variety, and substitute
the rest with the decaffeinated variety later in the day.
Do not add excessive amounts of cream and sugar (maybe try
honey as a substitute). Stick to eating fresh fruits and vegetables
everyday, and take an antioxidant supplement.
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