Update on Coffee

Update on Coffee

Over the years, there have been a number of articles about health issues related to the consumption of coffee.  But recent research indicates coffee may not be as bad as once thought.  For many people, the health benefits outweigh the risks.

Earlier studies did not always take into account that high-risk behaviors like smoking and inactivity tend to be more common among heavy coffee drinkers.  If these unhealthy habits are taken out of the equation, there is actually a healthy relationship between coffee consumption and decreased overall mortality. 

There are some exceptions.  Drinking too much unfiltered coffee can lead to elevated cholesterol levels.  Some people have difficulty metabolizing coffee and could be at a higher risk for heart disease.

Although coffee may have benefits as well as risk, other beverages like milk and fruit juice contain nutrients that coffee does not.  Therefore, it is wise to drink an assortment of beverages each day.