If you’re
one of the 54 percent of Americans who drink coffee, you’re probably looking for more reasons why you should continue to have your morning, afternoon or even nightly brew. While many experts discuss the disadvantages to drinking coffee, such as increased anxiety, insomnia and dehydration, there’s some researchers who found very helpful and healthful reasons why you should continue your coffee addiction.
Coffee Makes You Life Longer
Research has found that coffee drinkers are at less risk of developing cancers of the liver, colon and prostate. They are also less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease was also less likely for people who drank at least three cups of coffee a day.
In a 2008 study, women who drank up to six cups a day of either caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee lived longer than women who didn’t.
How Coffee Prevents Illness and Disease
While researchers don’t know exactly why coffee lessens the risk of many illnesses and diseases, there are some theories. Antioxidants have been shown to help people stay healthy and prevent disease. While coffee doesn’t have as many antioxidants as foods like nuts, fruits and vegetables, it does have enough that if someone were to drink three cups they would consume a healthful amount.
Another theory is that coffee may act as a hormone in the body and can activate trigonelline, which works like estrogen. Since estrogen is known to prevent tumor development, it may be the reason why coffee drinkers are at decreased risk of cancer.
While we are not sure why coffee drinkers in research suffered less illness and disease, it’s beneficial to know that when you need a buzz, coffee might not be as bad as you or critics believe!
Mon, Apr 26, 2010
Health