Most clean eaters may say that they can't give up their coffee. Coffee itself is low in calories just like tea. It's when you add creamer and sugar that make the fat and calorie content go up. Otherwise, both are "clean eating" beverages and can be had on a daily basis. The debate over the good and bad of coffee has been ongoing. One day you hear that it does something detrimental to your health and the next it does something to boost your health. Below are some of the benefits and risks of coffee consumption:
Coffee Health Benefits
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Keep in mind that these coffee health benefits are not proven, but only "appear" to have helped in the following ways.
- Reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease
- Reduced risk of Parkinson's disease
- Reduced risk of breast cancer
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Reduced risk of diabetes
- May help fight against certain types of cancer
Coffee Risks
- Can lead to iron deficiency
- May raise cholesterol levels (in some)
- Can impair calcium absorption
- Caffeine risks (heartburn, high blood pressure, sleeplessness, etc.)
Personally, I enjoy coffee both for the jolt it provides and the flavor. I drink about 1 - 2 cups per day. How about you? Do you love your coffee or have you given it up?
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee#Health_and_pharmacology
http://men.webmd.com/features/coffee-new-health-food
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE my coffee. It is a habit, ritual and comfort in the morning. I do take it with half and half but am so careful about my fat intake the rest of the day that I don’t worry too much about it. Seems there are some pretty great benifits to having my java, so I will keep on!
I too, LOVE my coffee. I usually only have one shot of espresso in the morning with 2.5 oz of FF milk. I’ve been experimenting with sweeteners – stevia, agave, honey, and every once in a while I will use a little flavored syrup made with Splenda. Not 100% clean, but my coffee is the one thing that I won’t give up… I’ve tried drinking it black with no success but can drink it with very little milk and sweetener – maybe I can eventually get there! We’re such coffee/espresso drinkers in my house – that my husband started roasting our own coffee! I blogged about it (with pictures) http://newshadeofgreen.blogspot.com/2009/03/fresh-roasted-coffee-beans.html.
I LOVE my coffee as well, and will drink several (weak) cups during the day. I’ve worked in an oldfashioned coffee, tea and chocolate shop and I enjoy trying different beans, flavoring and even roasting the beans myself now and then (the smell is wonderful).
I’m with the crowd here. I too love my coffee. Interesting list of pros and cons. I will have to do some further research into this topic as I often drink 2 to 3 cups per day myself.