Java. Joe. Jitter Juice. Morning Jolt. Whatever you like to call it. Coffee is a liquid infusion that many enjoy worldwide.  I know, I enjoy a morning cup, and it is something I look forward to when I awake. And, on that really rare occasion when I order an ice cream cone? You got it.  Coffee ice cream it is!

Many health practitioners suggest eliminating coffee and other caffeinated beverages from our diet and it may be a smart move for many of us, but more studies are emerging that show that cup of joe just might carry some real merit.

HOW COFFEE MAY BE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Although for some, it is not a good choice, recent studies have been published that show those that drink the most coffee may enjoy these benefits:

1.  Java may lower your risk for several diseases.

With over 1.000 various phytochemicals, coffee provides an enormous range of disease deterrents.  For example, coffee can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes because studies are showing that coffee interferes with glucose synthesis and release in the body.  It is also being studied for its use as a cancer risk reducer.  Other diseases it may fend off include liver disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cardiovascular disease.

2.  It helps dissolve stones. 

Coffee could slightly reduce the risk of gallstones and lower your risk of kidney stones.

3.  Coffee may improve your outlook.

In larger amounts, coffee is showing to lower depression risk.

4.  Coffee is a headache fighter.

The caffeine in coffee may help absorb headache medications more quickly.  This is why you may see caffeine added to these type of OTC pain relievers, or why, myself included, some drink a beverage with caffeine once a headache begins to send it packing. This can get tricky if you rely on this tactic too much though for migraines as it could then have the counter effect.

WHAT KIND OF COFFEE TO BUY FOR BEST HEALTH AND TASTE

If you choose to drink coffee, here are a few guidelines when purchasing it:

1.  Buy organic beans.

Coffee beans are heavily sprayed.  There are so many organic options out there, why not just choose organic to eliminate the added exposure to pesticides.  One of my favorites is this brand, french roast.

2.  Darker is better.

Darker roasts are best.  Darker roasted beans produce a higher level of antioxidants than lighter roasted beans and may even help shed a pound or two.

3.  Pulse it yourself.

Fresh ground coffee that you just made yourself with whole beans lessens oxidation of all those antioxidants in the beans providing more exposure to them. Freshly ground tastes best too!

5 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR COFFEE THE HEALTHY WAY

So, you have purchased the good stuff. Now, here are five tips on how to best prepare your next pot or two to reap all those health benefits:

1.  Create a layer. 

There are many methods you can choose to make your coffee. That choice, though, can affect the health benefits.  For example, using a non-bleached paper filter in processing your coffee can help eliminate harmful substances that can increase cholesterol levels. Turkish and Greek coffee, coffee brewed in a French press, and the boiled coffee consumed in Scandinavia do not use filters.

These methods of making coffee use a filter:

  • Pour over coffee – Here is extensive information on how to do it and what to use.  It may be a bit involved for many but the coffee prepared this way always wins the taste tests.
  • Standard coffee maker – Standard drip coffee makers require the use of a filter,

2.  Water down.

If the morning ritual includes a cup or two for you, best to first wake up your digestive system with some plain warm water or like me, warm water with a squeeze of lemon.  The acidity of coffee will be less of a shock to your digestive system.

3.  Eliminate these . . . 

Chemicals like artificial sweeteners or other additives, creamers with high fructose corn syrup and trans fats, or high amounts of sugar.

4.  Add these . . . 

Cinnamon, cacao and coconut oil are all nice additions to your java.  Other spices like cardamom, Chinese five-spice or nutmeg can add antioxidants to the brew as well.  Almond milk or coconut milk or grass-fed dairy products are best as well.

5.  Pick a chemical free coffee cup or mug.

Glass or porcelain mugs and cups are best. A plastic cup could leach the chemicals in plastic into your beverage.  Styrofoam is not a good choice either for the same reason.

SHOP HEALTHY COFFE MAKING

Below are some great tools to make that coffee the healthy way and to make it taste just like the ones at your favorite coffee shop:

So, coffee lovers! Tell me, do you have a favorite brand of coffee or bean, way to prepare it or recipe to share? Or, have you eliminated it from your diet and how has that worked for you? The Health-Minded would love to know. Do tell — in the comments! Include a link, by all means!

coffee beans in hands: photo credit: <a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/n1ct4yl0r/13554422834/”>Nic Taylor Photography</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-

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COMMENTS

Hi, Firstly I want to say that name of your website is quite different “The Health Minded", Great. I have no words for your post, Today I have go through many posts but your post is really informative. I am happy that I got your post, it ends my search. Thanks for sharing and keep it up.

Glad you like the name and hope you are health-minded, too! And, I am happy the information here helped you and happy to see you found what you are looking for. Do, peek around the blog some more, and add to the conversation! That would be great.

Coffee is only one best drink which have a lot of health benefits. 2-4 cup coffee drink is good for health. It increase our health performance. Coffee Club.

These look so good. And the presentation is so cute!

Happy you came by, Maria, and thanks so much for commenting.

Breakfast is the best time to have coffee.

Many feel that way, but I sure see a lot of all-day coffee drinkers! What about you?

Really enjoyed this post! I love coffee – its smell, its flavor, and even just the ritual of preparing it. Over the years I've grown from preferring light brews with flavors and creamers (not so healthy!) to truly enjoying the deepest, darkest roasts with nothing whatsoever added. I've been really interested to watch the emerging studies that indicate that coffee actually may be much healthier than anyone imagined – loaded with antioxidants and great health benefits. You're so right, though – little things like the filter you choose and even how your decaf is decaffeinated – can make an important difference. This was a great read! Definitely pinning to share!

Glad to hear you enjoyed the post! These studies are interesting, right? I will be keeping on top of more information as it is made public. Thanks for stopping by!

Lori, once again I really enjoyed your post today. I've read a lot about the health benefits of tea, but not so much about coffee. Good news that it isn't all bad! I have cut down a little in the last year or so because I used to drink way too much at work. Now I just have 1 or occasionally 2 cups a day, and I make sure that if I have two one of those is de-caf. The problem I have here in Australia is that sometimes the cups I get served aren't strong enough. You can hardly taste the coffee sometimes …. yuck!

Good to know when I visit Australia. I make strong coffee, but I always have to water it down when my mother-in-law visits. She would fit right in where you are!