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Coffee Has Health Benefits


Anyone who knows me knows I love my Joe…. err, “cup of joe” that is. In fact, I’m enjoying a cup as I write this post. However, as a wellness professional that little admission of guilt has gotten me a few sneers and looks of condescension. Caffeine is BAD for you, they say! Well, perhaps abusing caffeine may be “bad” for you, but ‘caffeine’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘coffee.’

Despite this fact, coffee has gotten a bad rep over the years after a few health experts linked it (or rather, linked caffeine abuse) to several diseases. But is coffee actually that bad? Probably not; new research shows that drinking coffee in moderation provides numerous health benefits.

Antidepressant
It might seem a little odd to find that coffee could help with depression, but new research has shown that it does just that. Now, don’t go throwing out your prescriptions or quit counseling just yet though, coffee is not a cure for depression. Rather, the caffeine in coffee helps regulate your mood transmitters. It is also believed the phytonutrients and antioxidant properties of the coffee bean also contribute to keeping your mood in check and helps you feel happier all day long.

Antioxidant
Speaking of phytonutrients and antioxidants; Free radicals are the big bad guys of the health world, causing cancer and speeding up the aging process. Antioxidants work as the good guys, the superheroes of sorts, and work to bring these free radicals down. Foods that are loaded with antioxidants have been heralded as super foods for this reason. Coffee is one of these super foods and its surplus of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid are the big reasons for this.

Cancer Protection
The fact that drinking coffee puts you at a lower risk of cancer seems a little bit odd since it was once linked to cancer, but scientists now say that a few cups per day actually keeps the cancer away. Caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid are at work again. They are the reasons that coffee lowers your risk for cancer.

Weight Loss
Another health benefit of coffee is that it helps with weight loss. For a lot of people struggling to lose a few pounds this might come as quite a relief. Thank God I don’t also have to cut coffee out! Well, not quite. Coffee in itself helps with weight loss by burning off excess calories, but once you throw sugar and cream in there, that’s not the case anymore. Keep your coffee black or doctor is with only bit of plain milk or dairy alternative to reap its weight loss benefits.

Diabetes Protection
The caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid in coffee once again lead the charge, this time offering protection from diabetes. They reduce blood glucose levels and also reduce the amount of glucose that is stored in your liver. Combined, this significantly reduces your chance of getting diabetes.

Now, after saying all that, I don’t want you going all coffee-fiend on me! Sure, coffee has a ton of great benefits, but don’t over-dose your consumption. Actually, you should probably lower it. Coffee is best in small amounts (between one and three cups) and, as the case with alcohol, if you drink any more, you could actually be turning its advantages into disadvantages.

And, whenever you are ready to talk with someone about your health and wellness goals, remember I’m here; ready and waiting. Call me and let’s set up a complimentary consultation. I might even pour you a fresh cup of joe just to get the conversation started. ;-)

As always – enjoy your life.

John Aaron Villarreal


Bio: I am a Houston based, male massage therapist and wellness coach specializing in pain management and health programs for individuals over the age of forty. I laugh - a lot. I'm quirky but sincere. And, while I'm not a counselor, I do listen and I do care: Except for the times that I don't. That’s a joke - Did I mention that I like to laugh? Anyway, visit my website, call or email me and let's get together to talk about you, and the many ways to live life better!

 The Legal Stuff: I write to inform, inspire and encourage my readers to enjoy all that life has to offer.
The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease.
Please consult your physician prior to starting any exercise, diet or wellness program. 

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Comments

  1. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 4:34 AM

    Amazing benefits of coffee. I am coffee drinker but never thought that it will so beneficial.

    Glan Deas
    Kopi Luwak

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Aaron VillarrealMay 21, 2013 at 2:49 PM

      Glad I could help inform you, Glan. I'm not quite a coffee connoisseur, but your site is definitely informative. Thanks for your input.

      Delete

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