Drinking Coffee: How Much is Too Much?

Benefits of Long-Term Coffee Consumption

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 are 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!

Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health have found that daily coffee drinkers tend to be at much lower risk for Type 2 Diabetes than those who do not drink coffee on a regular basis. In the study, the benefits were especially great for men: Males who drank over six cups of caffeinated coffee each day slashed their risk by half. Women who drank the same amount saw their risk go down by less than thirty percent. While not as impressive as the result in men, this is still a significant finding.

One possible explanation for this newest discovery is that the agents which are present in coffee – specifically, antioxidants – appear to enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin, which is necessary for controlling glucose levels in the blood. This would contribute toward staving off the circumstances that often serve as a catalyst for the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

This particular form of diabetes, commonly found among those who are over 40, obese and with a family history which reflects diabetes, appears to be environmentally triggered. While most individuals who develop this illness need to take an oral medication to control their glucose levels, those with a more aggravated case may need to receive insulin injections on a daily basis. The effects of caffeinated coffee on individuals who may have a propensity to develop the illness could be staggering, if the statistics are accurate.

Scientists are not yet sure whether what you add to coffee – cream, milk or sugar – has any effect on the end result. What they do know is that caffeine appears to raise glucose levels in the short-term. More studies will need to be done in order to confirm whether the same is true when it comes to long-term caffeine consumption.

Though researchers don't encourage folks to take up the habit of excessive coffee drinking, those who do enjoy a hot cup of ~Joe~ can relax without the worry of the negative impact of their favorite beverage on their bodies.

Disclaimer: This article in no way should be taken as “medical advice” on any product, condition or course of action, nor does it constitute in any way “medical advice” endorsing any specific product, specific result, nor any possible cure for any condition or problem. This article is meant as a source of information upon which you may base your decision as to whether or not you should begin using any vitamin, mineral and/or herbal supplement for better health, or begin using a “greens” product as a dietary supplement.

If in doubt, or if you have questions, you should consult your physician and, if possible, consult a second physician for a possible different opinion. The author does not bear any responsibility for your decisions nor for the outcome of your actions based upon those decisions.

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