Is Coffee Good for Your Health?

Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee or two to start their day?  I often get asked, “Is coffee good for one’s health?”  What does the research show?   My sister sent me an article describing the latest health benefit of drinking coffee.

What are the health benefits of drinking coffee?

Johns Hopkins notes 9 reasons coffee is good for you.  What are some of the benefits?

• Coffee is loaded with healthful antioxidants.  These may lower inflammation and help protect against several diseases.
• Coffee lowers one’s risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
• Coffee lowers one’s risk of heart failure.  Enjoy those 2 cups of coffee a day as it makes your heart stronger.
• Coffee drinkers are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. 
• Coffee drinking is good for your liver.  How?  Coffee drinking promotes good liver enzymes.
• Coffee drinking reduces your risk of colon cancer – a condition now on the rise in those younger than 50.  (See:  Colon Cancer Prevention Starts on Your Plate )
• Coffee may decrease one’s risk of getting Alzheimer's.  Johns Hopkins states, researchers have found that women age 65 and older who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop dementia…
• Coffee reduces one’s risk of stroke.

What is the latest about coffee drinking and gut health?

Scientific American reports on a new study of how drinking coffee affects your gut bacteria.  Regular coffee drinkers promote growth of several good bacteria including a specific bacterium that helps with proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.  More research is needed on how coffee affects our gut health. 

What about decaffeinated coffee? 

Decaffeinated coffee also provides healthy antioxidants and thus may help protect against heart disease and cancer.  And studies have shown that decaf coffee also reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and may protect against Alzheimer's disease.

What about adding sugar, cream and all those flavored syrups to your coffee? 

Although drinking coffee has health benefits, all the extras like cream, sugar, flavored syrups add unwanted calories.  Starbucks nutrition notes a Nonfat Caffè Mocha – Hold the Whip provides 170 calories.  A far cry from black coffee which provides 2 calories per cup.  A relative was adding cream to their morning coffee.  Rather than cream, I suggested adding some whole milk to their coffee instead.  In this way my relative was adding calcium, protein, vitamin D and other nutrients to their coffee instead of just fat calories from the cream.      

In conclusion, coffee has emerged as more than just a beloved morning ritual; it’s a drink with remarkable health benefits backed by science.  From reducing the risk of chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease to supporting cognitive and liver health, coffee proves itself as a powerful ally to wellness.  Not to mention its surprising connection to gut health, fostering beneficial bacteria for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

However, moderation is key, and how you prepare your coffee matters.  Enjoying black coffee or making mindful adjustments – like substituting cream for whole milk – can maximize the benefits while minimizing unnecessary calories.  And for those who prefer decaffeinated coffee, rest assured, its healthful properties remain intact. 

As we sip on our favorite brews, it’s clear that coffee isn’t just a treat for the taste buds – it’s a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.  So, whether you prefer regular coffee or decaf, coffee can be a delightful way to support your well-being! 

Sources:  9 reasons , Colon Cancer Prevention Starts on Your Plate , states , reports , Decaffeinated coffee , Nonfat Caffè Mocha – Hold the Whip , black coffee  Images:  coffee , Health Benefits of Coffee