If you were to ask my partner or kids, “What’s one thing Mommy absolutely cannot live without?” they’d all chime in with the same answer: coffee. Sure, I enjoy snacking on chips, indulging in wine, binge-watching shows on Netflix, and savoring those blissful Saturday sleep-ins. But if a hypothetical disaster struck and my family found themselves fleeing from a horde of zombies, I’d be able to forgo wine and chips without much fuss. I might miss out on Friends reruns or a good Schitt’s Creek marathon, but I could manage. However, there’s one thing I could never part with—even while dodging brain-eating zombies: my morning coffee.
Coffee is essential to my daily life, and it’s the last comfort I’d willingly sacrifice—after wine and snacks, of course. Knowing that coffee also offers health benefits is music to my ears since I practically rely on it to get through the day.
According to recent findings reported by The New York Times, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that drinking coffee may lower the risk of various serious illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, gallstones, depression, and even certain types of cancer. Additionally, research from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that coffee consumption may help protect against a condition that predominantly affects women—Alzheimer’s disease. “Nearly two-thirds of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are women,” the article notes. “Caffeine from just two cups of coffee daily could significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition.” In fact, older women who consume two to three cups of coffee a day were found to be less likely to develop dementia.
But that’s not all—drinking coffee may even extend your life! A study involving over 200,000 participants tracked for up to 30 years revealed that those who drank three to five cups of coffee daily were 15 percent less likely to die prematurely from various causes compared to non-coffee drinkers. Johns Hopkins Medicine supports this claim, stating that coffee drinkers are less likely to succumb to leading causes of death among women, such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
So, on those exhausting days when you feel like coffee is the only thing keeping you going, you might just be onto something! Additionally, coffee contains beneficial compounds like polyphenols and antioxidants that can positively impact health. Polyphenols may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes, while antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties that combat heart disease and cancer.
As per the Cleveland Clinic, coffee also delivers essential nutrients, including B vitamins, potassium, and riboflavin. Remarkably, Andrea Dunn, a registered dietitian, points out that “coffee is actually the single best source of antioxidants in the American diet.” How fantastic is that?
While this news is encouraging, it’s important to remember that medical experts do not suggest using coffee as a primary means to prevent diseases. Instead, we should focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle through proper nutrition, hydration, exercise, and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. Although past warnings about coffee’s health risks have lingered, this new research provides a fresh perspective—good news for coffee enthusiasts!
It’s worth noting that excessive caffeine intake can be dangerous during pregnancy, as it crosses the placenta and may lead to complications. Most doctors recommend that expectant mothers limit caffeine consumption to about 200 milligrams daily. Although I personally enjoyed my coffee during pregnancy, I made sure to keep it moderate and still welcomed healthy, robust babies into the world.
However, moderation is key. Too much caffeine can disrupt sleep and interfere with proper nutrition. I learned that the hard way in my 20s when I was working double shifts and relying heavily on coffee, often neglecting proper meals. That was not a healthy way to enjoy my favorite beverage.
So, when we hear that “coffee has health benefits,” it’s imperative to understand that it should be enjoyed in moderation alongside a balanced diet and adequate sleep. I know, as moms, sleep can seem elusive, but to truly embrace the “healthy coffee drinkers club,” we have to prioritize rest alongside our beloved brews.
Now that my kids sleep through the night, I kick off each day with a cup (or two, or sometimes three) of coffee, while also making sure to drink water and eat nutritious meals. It’s reassuring to know that my morning coffee ritual aligns with a healthy lifestyle, even if it means I’m not quite ready for conversation until I’ve had several sips!
Of course, I’m not oblivious to the fact that the flavored creamers I love (shoutout to coconut cream pie!) may not be the healthiest options. But hey, you’ll have to pry my beloved salted creamer from my cold, lifeless hands! As for the health benefits that may help fend off serious ailments like depression or liver disease? I’ll gladly raise my cup to those! In fact, I think I need another cup right now. Ahh, I can feel those health benefits energizing me already!
For more insights on this topic, check out this related post on our other blog, Home Insemination Kit. And if you’re looking for expert authority on the subject, visit Intracervical Insemination. Additionally, for a wealth of information regarding pregnancy, this resource from the NIH is highly recommended.
Summary:
Coffee is not only a beloved daily ritual for many but also offers various health benefits, including a reduced risk of serious diseases and even increased longevity. While moderation is crucial, drinking coffee can complement a balanced lifestyle. So, enjoy your cup of joe guilt-free, knowing it comes with potential health perks!