Coffee for the Win!!!
With how prevalent coffee consumption is, one might think coffee constitutes its own food group. While this is not the case, this nutty, comfort beverage certainly brings with it many health benefits. For instance, in the United States, the greatest antioxidant source in most people’s diets actually is from coffee!1
Antioxidants are crucial micronutrients that lend electrons to carcinogenic free radicals in the body which in turn neutralize their effects.2 Moreover, coffee may lower one’s potential for developing of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and even may increase one’s longevity.3, 4 “Wow!” you might be thinking. “Let me go get my quad shot, triple mocha breve.” Not so fast.
While coffee is a healthy ingredient, how one prepares it is just as critical. Many of these designer drinks come with hundreds of excess calories from fats and sugars spiking insulin levels and contributing to increased levels of LDL cholesterol otherwise (and not so affectionately) known as “the bad kind.” This is in addition to many of the chemicals found in the artificial flavors and sweeteners used to make these specialty drinks. And no, the health benefits of coffee do not cancel out these sneaky additives’ effects.
Healthier options would be to drink coffee either by itself or with a small amount of low-fat milk or creme. If one wants a sweeter beverage, Stevia, real maple syrup, or small amounts of sugar can be good alternatives. So the next time you make yourself a cup of morning joe, rest assured you’re making a great decision.
Michael Hollinger, PT Technician, CPT
Anchorage – Empower Physical Therapy
1) Coffee Is No. 1 Source of Antioxidants (webmd.com)
2) Understanding antioxidants – Harvard Health
3) 13 Health Benefits of Coffee, Based on Science (healthline.com)
4) Harvard study: Moderate coffee drinking associated with longevity – Harvard Health
