Thursday, August 30, 2007
For years, coffee, along with other caffeinated drinks, has been touted by nutrition officials as being unhealthy. But new research indicates that having a couple of cups of joe a day could actually promote good health. The explanation behind the newly-discovered benefits are the antioxidants found in coffee.
“Antioxidants are nutrients that help protect the body from damage that we encounter in the environment everyday,” says Cass Ryan, Registered Dietitian at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Ryan says that the specific antioxidant found in coffee is chlorogenic acid, which may help prevent cancer.
The key to healthy coffee consumption, however, is moderation.
“This doesn’t mean you should drink a quart a day,” says Ann Chapman, coordinator of Nutritional Services at Watkins Memorial Health Center. Chapman says that the ideal amount per day is 250 milligrams, or two cups. After 400 milligrams, or three cups, the negative effects of coffee start to appear, including restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, headaches, twitching and annoying the majority of your friends.
Aside from the benefits of antioxidants, Chapman also says that small amounts of coffee can increase awareness, and help wake you up before a big test.
In addition to the coffee itself, additives can be healthy too. But it all depends on what you put in, says Chapman.
“Obviously, drinks with cream or whole milk or sugary syrups aren’t going to be good for you,” she says. “But studies are showing that college students don’t drink enough milk, so if you drink a latte with skim milk, it will give you the calcium you need from milk.”
With this newfound information, java enthusiasts can now drink a little easier and a little healthier.
Verdict—good for you.
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