Let’s be honest, coffee is an integral part of most of our lives. But is your caffeinated habit good for you?

Maybe not for your wallet, but it can, in fact, have a surprisingly great number of benefits. All the more reason to visit and support your local coffee shop. If they used high-quality machinery and roasted coffee beans from Iron and Fire then I would certainly find it hard to stay away! I’m sure you’ve all experienced the mood and energy boosting effects of coffee, but it also has many important antioxidants, too. However, too much of anything is never a good thing. Like every food or drink you consume, moderation is key.

1. Decreased Muscle Soreness
   Two cups of coffee can cut post-workout muscle pain by up to 48%.
2. Protection against cirrhosis of the liver
   Of course, you could just cut down on the alcohol intake. But a recent study showed coffee has liver protecting benefits! Both coffee and decaf coffee lowered the liver enzyme levels of coffee drinkers, which helps keep your liver healthy.
3. Lowered risk of Type 2 Diabetes
   Those who consumed 6 or more cups per day had a 22% lower risk of diabetes.The risk of type II diabetes decreases by 9% for each daily cup of coffee consumed. Decaf coffee decreased risk by 6% per cup, which is good to know since 2-3 cups of caffeinated coffee is best to avoid overdoing it on the caffeine!
4. Lowered risk of Alzheimer’s disease
   There is considerable evidence that caffeine may protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Protection against Parkinson’s
   People with Parkinson’s disease are less likely to be smokers and coffee drinkers than their healthy siblings. Drinking coffee can even reduce the risk of Parkinson’s when genetic factors come into play.
6. Coffee drinkers have less risk of heart disease.
   Korean researchers found that study participants who consumed 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day were less likely to show the beginning signs of heart disease. Other dietary factors should also be noted as Koreans typically have a different diet than do Westerners.
7. Coffee drinkers have stronger DNA.
   A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition showed that coffee drinkers have DNA with stronger integrity since the white blood cells of coffee drinkers had far fewer instances of spontaneous DNA strand breakage.
8. Lower Risk of Multiple Sclerosis.
   Recent research showed that at least 4 cups of coffee a day may help protect against the development and re-occurrence of MS. It is believed that the coffee prevents the neural inflammation that possibly leads to the disease developing.
9. Coffee reduces colorectal cancer risk.
   Even moderate consumption of coffee can reduce the odds of developing colorectal cancer by 26%. This protective benefit increases with more consumption.

Want to try a fun new coffee recipe? Check this one out!

Low Carb Java Jolt – Makes 2 servings

• 1/2 cup 2% plain Greek or non-dairy yogurt (choose soy for non-dairy protein!)
• 1 scoop low-carb chocolate protein powder
• 1 cup unsweetened almond, coconut or soy milk
• 2 teaspoons natural plant-based sweetener like Swerve or Truvia
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Cool Brew
• 6-10 ice cubes