Grab a Latte, It Could Be Good for You

Coffee, caffeine may have health benefits
By Sarah Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted May 18, 2009 11:39 AM CDT
Grab a Latte, It Could Be Good for You
Rich Westerfield serves his cappuccinos at a barista competition in Cranberry, Pa., on Feb. 6, 2009.    (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Get this: Coffee's not bad for you, and it could have health benefits. New studies do a better job of separating the effects of coffee from those of its formerly frequent partner, cigarettes, the Los Angeles Times reports. And when you look beyond caffeine, "coffee is a complex beverage with hundreds, if not thousands, of bioactive ingredients," a Canadian researcher notes. Among the health benefits:

  • Diabetes: Studies suggest the chlorogenic acid in coffee cuts the risk for Type 2 diabetes.

  • Heart disease and stroke: Coffee doesn't raise the risk and could slightly reduce your chance of a stroke.
  • Cirrhosis: Either coffee or its caffeine seems to protect the liver.
  • Parkinson's disease: Caffeine cuts the risk, especially in men.
  • Athletic performance: Caffeine boosts performance by making your muscles work better.
(More coffee stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X