Coffee shops are popping up everywhere.  But is Coffee good for you?

According to an article written by John Hopkins Medicine, coffee can help with many conditions.  Most people think of caffeine is what we think of first when thinking of coffee but these beans are packed with antioxidants.  

Benefits of drinking coffee:

• It may add years to your life.  Studies have shown that people who drink coffee are less likely to have coronary heart disease, strokes, diabetes and kidney disease.  
• You may process sugar (glucose) more efficiently.
• Decreases chances of heart failure.
• Less likely to develop Parkinson's disease
• Liver health is increased.  Liver enzyme levels are high in people who drink coffee.
• DNA will be stronger: dark roast coffee decreases the breakage of DNA strands that can damage cells and lead to tumors
• Decreased chance of colon cancer
• Less risk of Alzheimer's Disease
• Less risk of stroke: Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death in women
  
  

  So how much coffee is safe to drink?

  
  Too much coffee can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia.  So moderation is recommended.  
  
  For women, Dietary Guidelines state it is safe for you to drink 3-5 cups of coffee per day but I think it should be limited to one cup a day.  If you are pregnant or breast feeding, I would say make the coffee organic and have a small cup of decaf if possible.
  
  There is a problem now with additives in coffee.  If you like things sweet try cardamom, stevia, cinnamon, cocoa powder, monk fruit, agave, coconut sugar instead of sugar.  

Now that you know it is safe to drink in moderation, enjoy....the weather is getting cold out there and a nice warm cup of coffee will heat you up for a bit.  

Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health.  She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between.  Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today!