Is coffee a health food?

Dietitian says it's time to look at coffee in a new light

 

Cleveland, OH - Can't start your day without your morning coffee? Stop feeling guilty about it.
Experts say a cup of coffee not only provides a little pick-me-up, but you may also be pouring real health benefits into your mug each morning.

Studies have shown certain compounds in coffee can have a positive effect on our bodies.

Kristin Kirkpatrick is a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute. She says it may be time to look at coffee in a new light.

“We shouldn’t look at coffee as something that is not good for our health anymore," said Kirkpatrick. "There have been so many studies that show the benefits of coffee.  Coffee consumption has been linked to decreases in diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers.”

Kirkpatrick says researchers have linked coffee to a decrease in the risk of prostate cancer in men and endometrial cancer in women.

A 2012 study found a compound in coffee may block a substance that plays a role in the development of diabetes.

Kirkpatrick says coffee drinkers may also slow the development of dementia later in life and protect themselves against skin cancer. A couple of recent studies also found people who drink three or four cups of coffee per day tend to live longer.

Even decaffeinated coffee appears to provide some of the same protection, which may mean the benefits are in the bean.

“The benefit may be coming specifically from the coffee bean," said Kirkpatrick. "It has that rich, dark color. It is a plant-based food. A lot of times we forget about that, it is a bean.”

Kirkpatrick says two to three cups of coffee a day should be all you need to see the health benefits. She recommends drinking it black, since adding lots of sugar and cream adds fat and calories.

“If you want to spruce up your coffee you can do it with a little bit of skim milk, or some almond milk. If you absolutely have to have some sweetness, you can maybe try a little bit of Stevia," said Kirkpatrick.[1]


*For a mega health kick, be brave and try a dab of coconut oil in your coffee. 

Replacing processed coffee creamers with organic coconut oil is a smart move. Although it may sound strange, the result is actually quite delicious and highly nutritious. The combination of caffeine and saturated fat gives the body a great and lasting energy boost.

The best way to prepare a tropical twisted coffee drink is to brew a high quality organic cup of coffee and place it in a blender. Add in one tablespoon of organic coconut oil, blend and enjoy.

The resulting coffee drink is frothy and rich, with a wonderfully smooth taste that is very satisfying. If you like your coffee sweetened, add one teaspoon of coconut crystals.

Adding coconut oil to your coffee is a great way to supercharge and give your body a burst of energy to make it through the day. Not to mention all of the other amazing health benefits of coconut!

Those who have been using coconut oil for years never truly believed the lipid hypothesis that said saturated fat was bad for us. More and more evidence is being uncovered to say just the opposite.

Healthy saturated fat is not only good for us, but essential for numerous bodily functions. Coconut oil is described as one of the healthiest saturated fats on the earth.

Coconuts are revered all over the world for their amazing medical and nutritional properties. They have been used for ages by diverse cultures and races, all of whom respect the magnificent qualities of this tree-growing nut.

Modern medicine is finally coming alongside traditional medicine and echoing the amazing health benefits of coconut. Published studies in a number of prominent health journals note the benefits of various forms of coconut. Here are just a few of the amazing benefits of coconut that researchers are uncovering:

• Kills viruses
• Kills bacteria
• Kills fungus and yeast
• Boosts energy and endurance
• Improves insulin secretion
• Kills tapeworms, lice and other parasites
• Reduces cavities
• Prevents obesity
• Softens skin
• Protects skin from the sun
• Controls dandruff
• Prevents wrinkles[2]

What?!  Wait a minute!  Did she just say 'prevents wrinkles'??  Oh, say no more, Miss Coco Nut and Mr. Joe Coffee...I'm all in.  Just kidding, I'm a health nut, and the rest of this huge list is what's really driving me.  Besides all that, I'm so not a morning person...and ok, that's what's really driving me.  There, you got me.

So, don't feel guilty for this small morning pleasure.  Turns out, it's actually good for you!  Enjoy!

(sips)





Sources:
[1] ClickonDetroit.com
[2] TheAlternativeDaily.com