A recent study detailed in India Today showed that drinking coffee may be associated with a lower risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma — the most common type of liver cancer.
![coffee]()
Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide and research has shown there are many health benefits of drinking coffee, which may be due to its high levels of antioxidants, according to the report.
Multiple studies and reviews report that the benefits of drinking coffee may include lowering the risks of mortality, several types of cancer, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and neurological disorders. Those studies caused the World Health Organization to retract a previous ruling that coffee was dangerous to your health.
All in all, some common sense and an organic cup, or two, of dark-roasted java can do your body — and mind — some good. Scientists found four cups of coffee a day may help protect and repair your heart muscle, and protect cells against heart attack damage, better than having no caffeine.
Powerful antioxidants called polyphenols defend your cells against attack and Americans acquire more antioxidants from drinking coffee than any other dietary source.
That’s the good news, but what about the not-so-good news?
A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has ruled coffee must carry a cancer warning because the brew contains acrylamide, a known carcinogen and potential neurotoxin. Acrylamide is created when carbohydrate-rich foods are heated at high temperatures; but while the production of acrylamide starts with brewing, elimination with longer roasting means dark roasted coffee contains less than light roasts.
In addition, studies show that very hot coffee or tea can do “thermal damage” and even cause cancer if it exceeds 149 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the flip side, the 2015 edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans for the first time also included coffee, recommending Americans could safely consume up to five cups a day with no detrimental effects. The recommendation was based on a meta-analysis and other studies evaluating the link between coffee and chronic diseases, including cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, because Americans drink so much, coffee might be the No. 1 source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet.
So, what’s a jumped-up java lover to do? To reap the benefits, drink coffee in moderation and make sure you drink organic, dark-roasted coffee. To be clear, organic black coffee can be quite healthy, but for those looking to abstain (such as during pregnancy), your alertness needn't suffer — just think about pouring yourself a cup.
Yep, that’s right. You know that feeling of energy and productivity you get after finishing your morning's first cup of coffee? It turns out you can get that without even drinking a drop, just by thinking about coffee.
The provocative finding not only highlights the power of thought and the effect coffee has on your brain, but also suggests you may be able to get a boost just from thinking about your favorite brew — a habit that may benefit those who drink coffee too close to bedtime or who abstain for other reasons, such as pregnancy.
If you can’t function without that morning jolt of joe, you’re not alone. A coffee survey showed that 55% would rather gain 10 pounds than give up their coffee, 52% would rather go without a shower in the morning than forgo their cup o’ joe and an astounding 49% would give up their cellphones for a month before giving up coffee!