Millions of people around the world look forward to starting their day with a cup of coffee.  The taste, aroma and the sense of feeling good and refreshed is part of that start.  For me, personally, it is a comfort food, if you can call it food.  With all this said, is coffee a health benefit or a health risk?

Coffee is widely researched and the growing body of scientific research suggests that drinking coffee in moderation (less than 4-5 cups) is safe for healthy adults and can provide health benefits.  Now, let's think about moderation.  Obviously too much of anything is not good for us.  Excessive caffeine intake has been linked to weight gain, increased cortisol levels (anti-stress hormone), stress, and poor sleep.  When speaking of the risks associated with coffee drinking, we are talking about excessive intake of caffeine.  Caffeine or excessive amounts of caffeine, is never good for growing children and that is a topic of discussion for another time.  As for this blog, I am specifically talking to the average adult who drinks coffee in moderation.  While we are on the topic of caffeine, one must keep in mind the other sources of caffeine that can be consumed in other beverages throughout the day including chocolate drinks and chocolate milk, sodas with caffeine and certain over the counter medications.  Now back to the coffee bean.  There is growing research that chorogenic acid, a health-promoting phytonutrient in the coffee berry, has strong antioxidant properties and if drank in moderation, can increase metabolism, which in turn, could help in weight management.  Other benefits that are currently being researched are the effects of coffee on cancer, diabetes, exercise performance, liver function, and Parkinson's disease.  Go to www.positivelycoffee.org and you can get additional information and research associated with the health benefits of drinking coffee.

So go ahead, have a cup of Joe and enjoy the health benefits that are associated with it.  Just remember that moderation is the key.  Until next time, start your day off right with a good ole cup O Joe and live life to the fullest!