Coffee Health Advantages

Coffee Health Advantages
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Coffee is made with coffee beans, which grow on trees in warm climates in several countries. In the United States, coffee is grown in Hawaii. Organic coffee doesn't have any pesticides or harmful chemicals. The taste of coffee depends on where the coffee was grown, similar to wine. Coffee beans go through a lengthy process to become the grinds we brew in our coffee pots. For most people, the health advantages of drinking coffee outweigh the risks, and many people can't live without their morning cup of coffee.

Antioxidants

Coffee is a top source of antioxidants, according to a 2005 study by the University of Scranton. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which, according to Medline Plus, can damage the body and lead to disease. Coffee beans comes from a plant, and plants contain many vitamins and minerals that are antioxidants. This is one of coffee's top health advantages.

Caffeine

The caffeine in coffee helps keep us alert, speeds up our reaction time, helps us process information, awakens our taste buds and even helps improve our attention spans. It can help wake us up in the morning and help us be more productive at work. Caffeine can even help boost athletic performance and help us get more out of our workouts.

The Harvard Medical School recommends spreading coffee consumption throughout the day for the best caffeine boost. Moderation is key, though, as caffeine is "a mild addictive stimulant " that can increase heart rate, blood pressure and may even cause an irregular heartbeat.

Fighting Disease

Drinking coffee may help lower your risk of developing Parkinson's disease and certain cancers.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some recent studies suggest coffee may help protect against Parkinson's disease, certain cancers and even diabetes. Harvard Medical School says coffee drinking, in moderation, won't cause any harm.

Lower Diabetes Risk

The Diabetes Monitor says people who drink coffee may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and several studies have found similar results. While some test results are contradictory, coffee does contain magnesium and chromium. These minerals help the body use insulin. Insulin helps regulate glucose, otherwise known as blood sugar.

References

Article reviewed by Teresa Mullins Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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