Any time I watch a health segment on an a.m. talk show or evening news, coffee is always cast as the villain in our everyday life: Trouble sleeping? It’s coffee. Anxious and overwhelmed? Coffee. Bad breath? Coffee. The reality is, many of these issues are dictated by human behavior rather than our daily cup of joe. Coffee has many health benefits for which it’s not often credited. Check out a few common myths below to see why this healthful, earth-born beverage should be cleared of its bad rap.

Myth: Less is more.

Fact: Often you hear on TV or read in magazines that you should limit your coffee intake for better health; most of the time, this is linked to sleep and stress. Recently, professionals in this field of research present an entirely different take, asserting that coffee has shown to be far better for your overall health when consumed in large quantities. For example, drinking one to three cups a day can marginally reduce the risk of diabetes, while drinking six mugs or more can dramatically cut chances by 54% in men and 30% in women. Studies have also determined that the onset of Parkinson’s can be slashed 80% by regular coffee intake. So when it comes to coffee, the more the better.

Myth: Deteriorates digestive health.

Fact: Coffee is commonly believed to be the culprit of acid reflux and various other digestion problems. However, the hot beverage can actually help regulate the digestive system by flushing out harmful toxins in the intestines (aren’t you glad I didn’t say bowels?), and increase appetite when inhaled prior to a meal. In fact, research indicates that drinking at least two cups a day can reduce your risk of colon cancer by 25%. The reason why some people experience heartburn or stomach problems from coffee is primarily due to its caffeine content, which can easily be replaced with decaf, and a pre-existing stomach condition that would make him or her naturally sensitive to certain foods.

Myth: More harmful than healthful.

Fact: Everyday our bodies are exposed to harmful environmental pollutants that eat at our immune system. To fight off toxins and fend from disease, it’s crucial to strive for optimal physical health. Easier said than done, right? Wrong! Coffee has shown to have restorative capabilities that can protect our organs from deteriorating health and, when sipped regularly, better prevent the risk of disease compared to drinking none at all. The liver, the body’s detoxifier, is 80% less likely to battle cirrhosis when a mere two cups a day are consumed. Even habitual coffee drinkers who smoke and drink alcohol may experience less liver damage and heart disease than non-coffee drinkers. But wait, there’s more: Coffee beans are rich in antioxidants, which fight off damaging free radicals and protect cell growth. Dispelling all doubts, it’s evident that our favorite morning drink does a body good.


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