Coffee is Good for Your Health

If you're a coffee drinker, chances are you've heard someone say that coffee is harmful to your health. But new research indicates that drinking a few cups of java each day may actually lower your risk for certain diseases.

A Norwegian study that found moderate amounts of coffee - up to 5 cups per day - can lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Moreover, a University of Scranton researcher recently reported that coffee is the number one source of antioxidants (which battle cancer-causing free radicals) in the typical American diet, and the Norwegian scientists speculate that the disease fighting component of coffee is the black brew's natural antioxidants.

If you're concerned about your health, this is good news: You don't have to give up your morning coffee! However, the researchers also found that the positive effects of drinking coffee no longer can be seen in folks who drink more than five cups a day, so it's important to moderate your intake.

To promote good health, serious coffee drinkers may want to try some of these tips:

Watch out for hidden caffeine. If you drink regular coffee, you're already getting plenty of caffeine in your system. So why drink more? Foods and beverages like tea, chocolate and soda often contain caffeine, so coffee drinkers might want to limit their intake of these items.

Get plenty of fruits and veggies. Coffee may be the largest source of antioxidants in the American diet, but that doesn't mean you should eliminate these disease-fighting compounds from other sources. Instead, make sure your diet is well-rounded and includes antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and beans.

Build your bones. Caffeine has been linked to osteoporosis in some studies, mostly because it affects the amount of calcium our body absorbs. So if you're a heavy coffee drinker, make sure you get adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D. Remember to engage in regular exercise, too, since weight-bearing workouts will help increase your bone strength.

Watch your intake during pregnancy. In the past, research has linked coffee intake during pregnancy to birth defects and low birth rate in newborn babies. Although some physicians believe that small or moderate amounts won't cause damage, it's probably better to be safe than sorry. If possible, completely eliminate caffeinated beverages from your diet during pregnancy. And remember to always check with your physician to find out what foods and beverages are appropriate during this time.

Coffee may be very beneficial to our health, but that doesn't mean we should be drinking four pots a day! Like many things in life, moderation is key if you want to reap the benefits of this tasty brew.