How many times do we have to say it???
“Everything in moderation!”
It’s not that hard to understand — or live by — and not a day goes by where another report doesn’t just verify it further!
The science of coffee so far is supportive that it may keep you healthy. That’s great.
The thing is, though, that ‘may’ can be tricky… so the key is not to over indulge until we know more!
For instance, coffee is the top source of antioxidants for Americans. Fruits and veggies have them too, but coffee is #1.
Coffee also appears to lower levels of insulin and estrogen, which is perhaps why a study last year found a lower risk of endometrial cancer in coffee-drinking women. Insulin also plays a role in prostate cancer, another disease coffee may help stave off.
The caffeine is shown to help cognitive ability as well, and help keeps you awake — and the evidence is fairly strong for coffee preventing type II diabetes and Parkinson’s, and decent for antidepressant effects, too.
But none of this is completely proven, they’re all just associations so far.
Things they did not take into account would be the strength of coffee, what time of day it was drunk, or whether it was caffeinated — factors that could be related.
Another problem is that the optimal daily dose of coffee varies widely, depending on the person. Some can’t drink it at all. Others tolerate six to eight cups a day.
And that’s where moderation comes in.
In the end, this researcher nails it, as to what we should do as far as where the studies are standing:
“If you consume coffee, enjoy it. But I wouldn’t necessarily recommend taking it up if you don’t like it.”
Just don’t go overboard.
[Image via AP Images.]
