We've all had days we couldn't get through without our morning cup (or three) of coffee. It's become a daily ritual for many of us, despite what we may have heard about coffee's impact on our health. Today, in celebration of National Coffee Day, here are 9 grounds on which to defend your morning coffee!
1. The Cure For the Common Cold
OK, well, maybe not a cure, but coffee has been found to reduce feelings of “malaise” in people suffering from the sniffles.
2. A Natural Alternative to Ritalin
At least one physician-run mental health treatment facility recommends coffee as an alternative treatment for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder for those who are not comfortable with psychotropic drugs.
3. Banish the Blues
Coffee drinking has been linked to lower rates of depression, at least among women. Coffee can also be incorporated into self care and "me time" with a relaxing morning routine that leaves you ready to face the day.
4. Encourage “Regular Movement(s)”
Anecdotally speaking, lots of people rely on their morning cuppa joe to get things “moving”. Well, scientifically speaking, it’s been reported that coffee consumption can speed the return of bowel function following abdominal surgery.
5. Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers
Coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of developing both prostate cancer (in men) and uterine cancer (in women).
6. Reduced Rate of Death From Oral and Throat Cancer
A 25-year study demonstrated a link between coffee drinking and a reduced mortality rate from cancers of the mouth and throat.
7. Your Liver May Thank You
Coffee drinking has been associated with better readings on liver function tests and an improved response to Hepatitis C treatments. It may also confer some degree of protection against liver cancers.
8. Decreased Risk of Dementia
If you’re still not drinking coffee, you might want to start by the time you hit 40, as a link has been demonstrated between coffee drinking in midlife and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia later in life.
9. Decreased Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Coffee drinking has been associated with a moderate decrease in occurrence of Parkinson’s Disease.
Of course, too much of a good thing is never a good thing. It’s been suggested that adults limit their coffee intake to no more than a few cups per day (even less for pregnant women), and, of course, anyone with known health concerns should consult with their own physician.
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