The Benefits of Long-Term Coffee Consumption
by Stacy Juchina
http://www.azcoffee.com
With all of the hype regarding caffeine and the ill effects
of drinking caffeinated products, you might be surprised
to know that ~ according to recent studies ~ there
actually some benefits for the long-term coffee drinker.
This is particularly good news, in light of the trend
toward designer and gourmet coffees. Not only does this
hot, rich beverage provide long-term benefits, but
caffeinated coffee is actually better for you than those
which are decaffeinated!
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and
Brigham and Women~s Hospital have discovered something
surprising: men and women who drank coffee regularly
had a significantly smaller risk of developing Type 2
Diabetes than people who did not consume coffee. Men
had the most favorable results, with a fifty percent
reduction for those who drank more than six cups each
day. Women showed a thirty percent reduction when
consuming the same amount. Despite the gender difference,
both benefits are considerable, and very impressive.
Though the exact reason is unclear, this result might
have something to do with the presence in coffee of
antioxidants, substances which seem to increase the
sensitivity of the human body to insulin. Insulin is a
critical component in maintaining the blood glucose
level. Thus, if coffee does indeed have an impact on
insulin, the implication for diabetes prevention is
striking.
Doctors believe that environmental factors, such as
diet, and family history are largely to blame for the
onset of this disease, which generally strikes obese
men and women over the age of 40. Once diagnosed,
patients must either take oral medication or insulin
injections to control glucose levels in the body. If
coffee does indeed impact the development of diabetes,
the implications for modern medicine are striking.
The study in question did not differentiate with regard
to how the coffee was taken--black or with milk and sugar.
However, one thing is certain: caffeine consumption does,
at least temporarily, raise the level of glucose in the
body. If it does so in the short-term, it may do so
more permanently in the long-run, with regular caffeine
consumption.
Of course, it would not be wise to start pouring back eight
cups a day. However, if you're a moderate coffee drinker,
you can now enjoy your cuppa joe without guilt.
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