Waking up to the aroma of fresh brewed coffee often brings memories of sitting with my grandfather watching as he literally drank his cup of Folger’s to the very last drop.

Coffee has been the number one American beverage since the 1773 Boston Tea Party, and was not considered the healthiest since that time.  For years coffee has been associated with a variety of negative side effects such as: heart disease, cancer, hypertension, acid reflux, gastrointestinal and neurological issues.  However, recently two studies have found there really is “cream” health benefits in coffee.  Coffee is no longer associated with negative side effects.

The studies claim by ingesting 3 to 5 (8 oz. cups) per day which provides up to 400 mg of Caffeine may benefit your health in the following areas:

*Lower risk of death from Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and protects from getting CVD

*Lower risk of Cancer (prostate, endometrial, melanoma, oral, leukemia, nonmelanoma skin cancer and liver)

*Lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and gout.

*Lower risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis.

*Lower risk of the development of Parkinson’s disease, depression and Alzheimer’s disease

*Lower risk of death by 18% for men, however only 8% for women.

So, I must ask-what happened to all the previous negative side effects!  Did they just magically disappear in a “Puff of Time and Research”?

Oh, what a difference “Decades” make!!

Yes, without a doubt current evidence have proven there is “cream” benefits in coffee, however, caution must still be taken if you have any of the following conditions:

• Hypertension: a review published in January 2018 cautioned those with uncontrolled high blood pressure and suggested the avoidance of consuming large doses of caffeine.
• May increase lung cancer risk in smokers.
• May influence calcium absorption and bone mineral density resulting in an increased risk of fracture in women.
• Increase total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels when drinking higher levels of unfiltered coffee (boiled, Turkish, or French Press)
• Pregnancy: Coffee drinking is associated with increased risk of low birth weight and miscarriages.
• Increase risk of Reflux and should be avoided with GERD (gastroesophageal Reflux)
• Stimulates the central nervous system: May cause anxiety, sleep disorders (disruption of the Circadian Rhythms)
• Glaucoma: increases the pressure in the eyes first 30 minutes of ingestion.
• Added Calories: sugar, syrups, whole milk, and cream will add calories and saturated fat contributing to both weight gain and increase cholesterol levels.

Yes, there is “Cream” health benefits in coffee, however there are still cautions with special health conditions.  All things in moderation, if you are not a coffee drinker do not suddenly become one due to this amazing research, many of the benefits can be obtained with fruits, vegetables, and teas.  However, if you are a coffee drinker keep it within 3 to 5 (8 oz. cups) a day and take into consideration the negative and positive implications presented.