The second most asked question by patients during the fall months: "What are the benefits of drinking coffee instead of tea?"
Coffee is slightly bitter. Bitter is a yin flavor associated with the heart and small intestines. Bitter ingredients tend to have a cleansing action on the body and helps clear dampness and promotes elimination thru urination. This is especially important during the fall and winter months as most of us experience damp cold in the midwest.
- A recent study reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicated that coffee may decrease your risk of skin cancer.
- A recent study suggests that Coffee may decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes.
- A landmark study found that on average, coffee drinkers had a 27% lower risk of Parkinson's Disease.
- Studies have indicated that moderate consumption of coffee helps protect against liver disease. It appears to reduce the risk of alcoholic and nonalcoholic cirrhosis.
- Coffee may lower your risk of depression and suicide. Harvard research found that men and women who drank coffee had a 50% lower risk of suicide and caffeine from coffee has a positive effect on brain chemicals that play a role in depression.
- Coffee may reduce stroke risks. A couple of recent studies show that moderate coffee consumption may lower the risk of stroke. In fact, one study showed a 25% lower risk among women.
- Drinking coffee on a regular basis may reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
- Coffee's effect on cancer varies. It may lower the risk of liver cancer, endometrial cancer and colorectal cancer.
In conclusion: Enjoy your next cup of coffee.
Until next time
Dr. Rick
