Enjoy Coffee and Stay Healthy

              If you would say that you are a milk lover, the usual reply would be “that’s good for your health”. Because milk has the notion that it is a healthy drink. But if you would say “I really love to drink coffee!”, then expect someone to say “that can be bad for your health”. Because coffee has this image that it can raise your blood pressure, increase your heart rate and may actually produce an irregular heartbeat. However, there are also people trying to defend this popular drink is actually healthy. So what should we believe?

            It is a fact that coffee has caffeine, which is actually the main ingredient of coffee which gives the stimulating effect (unless you are drinking decaffeinated coffee). This is the reason why a lot of people use coffee when they stay up late at night or need to be alert early in the morning. According to research, it is safe to drink one or two cups every day. However, those who exceed this limit might experience the negative effects like difficulty sleeping, headaches, irregular heartbeat, nausea, and muscle tension. There is also a possibility of heartburn or ulcer, which is why people are always advised to drink coffee in moderation.

            Drink moderately. We are all familiar with this line to be associated with alcoholic beverages. But this can be applied to coffee as well to enjoy the positive effects of coffee. Yes, indeed coffee has positive effects on our health too. Here are some: Coffee reduces the risk of early stage diabetes. Coffee improves insulin sensitivity and it reduces blood sugar levels. Also, coffee contains antioxidants that fight against viral infection. One cup of coffee contains more antioxidants than one cup of grape juice. Coffee contains chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and protocatechnic acid. These chemicals show excellent antibacterial effects. Moderate intake of coffee reduces the risk of developing gallstones, reduces the risk of having colon cancer and reduces the risk of liver cirrhosis. But we have to have to bear in mind that these effects vary from person to person. Each of us is unique and has different body conditions. That is why it very important that you know your health status and how your body responds to coffee. Three cups of coffee might be considered moderate for someone but it can be too much for someone else. Self-discipline is an important factor when health is at stake. It is very important to consider your health condition in deciding what and how much you would eat and drink. Coffee is an addictive drink and it might affect you negatively if you would let it control you instead of you controlling how much you take.

            Coffee is a great drink. Otherwise it wouldn’t earn its popularity all over the world. The effects of coffee, whether good or bad, depend on the person who drinks it. As the cliché goes, too much of anything is bad. You can always enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of your favorite coffee, just make sure to do it with discipline and moderation.