Which conditions may coffee help prevent?
1. Depression
The more you drink coffee, the less depressed you’ll be? That’s what one study found, which followed 50,000 women between the ages of 35 and 50. Those who drank two to three cups per day were 15 percent less likely to develop symptoms of depression; however, the reason is unclear.
2. Liver Cancer
One University of Minnesota study found that high coffee intake – more than three cups per day – significantly decreased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. Additionally, it’s been found in several studies that a higher consumption of coffee is usually associated with a lower risk of liver cancer.
3. Death
Death isn’t really a disease, but coffee may help you live longer. A study of 400,000 Americans between the ages of 50 and 71 found that those who drank two to three cups per day were 10 to 15 percent less likely to die in the next 13 years. Some attribute this to coffee’s antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals.
Coffee: The Negatives
The side effects of drinking coffee can include: Headaches, insomnia, heartburn, and palpitations. Also, it’s very important to limit the amount of cream and sugar you add to your coffee to help avoid other conditions, including obesity.
Experts also stress that it’s very important to understand that coffee is not a cure, and that drinking it does not negate the need for you to eat healthy, exercise, stress less and see your doctor regularly.