Is Coffee Healthy?

I’ve been using Moka pot, steam-based stovetop expresso maker for the last 14 years and it is certainly a rewarding experience. The smell of the brewing coffee and the hissing sound it creates when boiling water, are what I find to be most exciting.  I drink about 2 cups a day, and tried to reduce the amount in the past because I thought it has more side effects than benefits. However, recent research states that consumption of coffee in moderation may have positive effects on health. Enjoy your coffee, but don’t overdo it!

Possible health benefits of a pure cup of coffee

• Boosts your metabolism
• Lowers the risk for dementia
• Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Reduces the risk of liver damage
• Drinking more than 1 cup of coffee per day lowers the risk of stroke by up to 25%
• Offer benefits for the function of the brain and may improve short-term memory. May reduce the risk of Parkinson and Alzheimer disease
• May reduce the risk of developing gallstones

Negative effects

• for some people, too much caffeine can cause irregular heartbeats, difficulty with diabetes, stomach upset, anxiety or migraines
• caffeine may increase the risk of miscarriage, so pregnant women should reduce their coffee intake to a low level, for example one cup a day
• linked with excessive drinking, which is more than 6 cups of coffee per day

Here are some tips recommended by Dr. Oz to brew your coffee without affecting its healthy properties:

• Coarsely ground is better than finely ground because finer grinds are more exposed to air and destroy the antioxidant benefits. Use the ground beans immediately, so you won’t lose the benefits.
• Choose American roast instead of French. Long roasting destroys the caffeic acid- cancer-fighting compound.
• Caffeine contains kahweol and cafestol, which both raise cholesterol levels. You can reduce these substances by using paper filters.
• The best way to brew your coffee to reduce the acid that causes stomach upset is letting coffee brew in cold water overnight. You can than filter it and add hot water, but avoid using microwave. Microwaving destroys a lot of health benefits of the coffee.

References

• Quiz: The Super Powers of Coffee

http://www.doctoroz.com/quiz/quiz-super-powers-coffee

• Harvard School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source: Ask the Expert: Coffee and Health.

What Does “Being Healthy” Mean to You?

I believe everyone yearns for a long, happy and healthy life. About 10 years ago I didn’t have too much knowledge about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. I guess most of us need to experience the side effects of unhealthy habits, such as weight gain, health problems or aging to realize the need of a balanced lifestyle. Changing old habits requires strong determination. Small changes in how you live each day are easier to accomplish and can bring big rewards. A healthy lifestyle involves eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep at night.

Nutritious diet

• Keeps your body strong and fit
• Helps protect from heart disease, bone loss, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers
• Helps regulate blood sugar, curbs hunger

Exercising regularly                              

• Keeps heart and lungs healthy                       
• Helps control weight
• Builds healthy bones
• Boosts energy

Getting enough sleep

• Scientists agree, 7 – 8 hours per night
• Helps reduce stress
• “Early to bed, early to rise, keeps you healthy, happy, and wise”
• “Cat Naps” are good for you

My Healthy Lifestyle Tips    

•   Eat fiber-rich foods (oatmeal, fruits and vegetables)                  
•  Eat wholegrain foods (rice, pasta, etc. 4x per week)
•  Eat organic food
•   Take care of your skin
•   Drink Green Tea
•  Stop Smoking
•   20 minute walk ( burns about 100 calories)
•   Drink 8 – 12 cups of water per day
•   Slow down on junk food
•  Eat to live, not live to eat
•  Chew your food well
•  Make Love
•  Learn to Relax
•   Sing
•   Take Vitamins
•  Get plenty of rest
•   Cut down on watching TV, time spent on the internet, or  your i-phone