Coffee: the benefits of getting your brew on

Coffee, like many other foods and beverages, tends to be a controversial matter in relation to health. There are many who believe that coffee is terrible for you and should be avoided completely and there are those who are proud to be Starbucks regulars. Until only a couple of years ago, I was solely a tea drinker, having believed that little benefit could be derived from coffee. This was before I did my own research to weigh in on coffee's positive and negative qualities.  Below is a list of the cup of Joe's pros and cons from Eating Well Magazine:

Pro's:
- The antioxidants found in coffee can decrease the likelihood of brain cell damage and aid in cognitive function (which helps you concentrate). This in effect can decrease risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease by drinking between 1 and 5 cups a day.

- Two of coffee's antioxidant compounds, cholorogenic acid and quinides, may increase your cells' insulin sensitivity by consuming 4 or more cups a day. In doing so, these compounds can reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar (decaf may actually be better for this purpose since caffeinated varieties can actually decrease cells' insulin sensitivity).

- Since coffee aids in suppressing the effects of artery inflammation, drinking between 1 and 3 cups a day can lower the chance of stroke.

- Drinking coffee can provide you with the boost you might need before a workout.

- It's virtually zero calories! That is, when consumed in its plain, black state. Flavored coffee drinks from the coffee shop can be incredibly high in fat and calories when syrups, whipped cream, and sugars are added in.

Con's:
- It can make you jittery.

- Drinking too much can bring on feelings of anxiety and irritability.

- Levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad type) can increase due to the higher levels of cafestol found in boiled or unfiltered coffee.

We're each able to handle caffeine in varying amounts, so be careful  not to drink more than you can tolerate, and definitely be sure not to go overboard! Coffee can become addictive, so if you're able to handle more than others, be sure to keep your consumption in check.

Go ahead and drink your coffee, but do so in moderation! For more information on coffee, click the link here!