Coffee Breaks Good For All

In ministry, as many other occupations, the hours are never ending and there never seems to be enough time in the week to finish all that needs to be done.  Many of us "keep ourselves going" by consuming coffee.  I was always told how bad it was for me and that I should "kick the habit" to help keep me healthy.  I was happy to find this short article and pass it on to those of you who also drink coffee, not just for the "kick" but also because we enjoy the taste.

Once suspected in a variety of diseases, coffee now has an impressive resume: Mounting evidence suggests that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, gallstones, Parkinson's disease, cirrhosis, and certain types of liver, breast and colon cancers.

Better than fruit juice? Hundreds of compounds, including antioxidants, seem to be responsible for coffee's many protective benefits.  In a recent Harvard University study, coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular causes than nondrinkers.  Black coffee is probably even better for you than high-calorie beverages.  A Norwegian study found that a typical serving of brewed coffee is richer in antioxidants than a serving of blueberries, raspberries, pineapples, or many fruit juices.

Brain bonus.  Coffee might help your mind as much as you body.  One study found that sleep-deprived rats were much calmer after simply inhaling roasted coffee beans.

Have a great day and enjoy a good cup of coffee!