Kona coffee, grown exclusively in the Kona district of Hawaii -- a small area that covers about 30 miles of volcanic terrain -- is what makes Hawaiian Kona coffee distinctive. The rich, slightly acidic volcanic soil and ideal climate produce the Kona coffee bean, which is picked like seasonal fruit from September to February. Kona is considered a favorite of many coffee lovers because of its full-bodied flavor. Beyond the palatable pleasure, recent studies suggest there are also health benefits to be gained by drinking coffee.
Reduced Diabetes Risk
According to Harvard Health Publications, recent studies have shown that the risk for type 2 diabetes is lower among regular coffee drinkers than those who don't drink it at all. A Harvard University School of Public Health study found that the risk could be reduced by 30 percent in women and cut in half in men. The protection against type 2 or adult onset diabetes was directly proportional to the amount of coffee the study participants drank. Six or more cups per day reduced men's diabetes risk by 54 percent, with the percentage decreasing to 7 percent with just one to three cups per day. Results for women were 29 percent for six or more cups, with only 1 percent protection when drinking one to three.
Parkinson's Disease Prevention
According to CoffeeScience.org, at least six independent studies have confirmed a link between Parkinson's prevention and the consumption of coffee. Whether you love Kona coffee or any other generic brand of the brown brew, drink it on a daily basis and research shows that you will be 60 to 80 percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Similar to the diabetes studies, researchers found that the more cups of coffee you enjoy on a daily basis, the lower the risk.
Protection from Colon Cancer and Other Diseases
Methylpyridinium, a strong antioxidant found almost exclusively in the coffee bean, boosts certain blood enzymes believed to protect against colon cancer. The stronger and darker the brew, the higher the disease-fighting compound. Both are to characteristics of Kona coffee. Harvard Health Publications reports that research findings not only link coffee drinking to reduced risk for colon cancer but also for developing gallstones as well as less risk of liver damage for people with liver disease.
Antioxidants
CoffeeScience.org cites a study conducted by the Nestle Research Center that found coffee contains four times the antioxidant content of green tea. The study also rated coffee higher on the antioxidant scale than wine, cocoa and other herbal teas. Antioxidants are touted as the No. 1 enemy of free radicals, the molecules attributed to such health issues as cardiovascular disease, premature aging, cancer, cataracts and many other health problems.
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