Coffee has always been considered one of those drinks that you should avoid but recent studies may redeem coffee’s reputation a bit. It turns out that a cup of coffee contains a high number of antioxidants that can help fight type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, and liver cancer. Coffee can also help with headaches and migraines (and not just the ones caused by coffee withdrawal). Scientists are not sure what the direct connection is, but it could be that caffeine helps constrict blood vessels in the brain thereby relieving some of the pressure associated with headaches. Some studies have even claimed that drinking a few cups of coffee everyday may increase your lifespan.

Of course, it is important to remember that even though coffee contains high levels of antioxidants it also contains a lot of caffeine, so there are some drawbacks. Too much coffee can cause problems with sleep as you age and people who are more susceptible to caffeine might be better off avoiding coffee. Women who are pregnant are still advised to avoid caffeine as it may lead to low birth weight. Also, it is important to drink filtered coffee because unfiltered coffee (such as what is made in a French press) can raise LDL cholesterol levels.

So is coffee good or bad? Well, the verdict seems to be that a couple of cups a day will not do much harm and might even do you some good. So there is no need to feel guilty when you indulge your coffee craving once in a while. Just remember that moderation is the key.

Sincerely, Saba