Another reason to drink coffee....

As if coffee lovers need another reason to partake in a morning cup of coffee, a long-term study of more than 83,000 women finds that coffee might modestly reduce the risk of stroke. Compared to drinking less than a cup a month, drinking four or more cups a day is linked to a 20 percent reduction in risk. Drinking two to three cups a day is associated with a 19 percent reduction.

Coffee, like tea, comes from a plant, so antioxidants may account for some of its benefits. It seems that one of these, methylpryridinium, may help protect against colon cancer. Another one, Chlorogenic acid, improves glucose metabolism to help prevent diabetes. Still other antioxidants in coffee may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving blood vessel function, fighting inflammation, and protecting LDL's from oxidation. Consider this, some of the same antioxidants found in red wine are actually found in higher concentrations in coffee.

Now if all of this doesn't have you drinking more coffee, consider this...coffee may even benefit the brain. Studies link daily coffee consumption to less decline in memory and verbal recall.

Now no one is suggestion a pot of coffee twice a day would be a healthy choice, just like a bottle of wine a night doesn't amplify the protective nature of grape juice. But in moderation, coffee does seem to have beneficial health effects.

FOR THOSE SENSITIVE TO CAFFEINE...you'll be happy to know decaf retains many antioxidants found in regular coffee. Don't think decafs have flavor? Try a water processed decaf blend (like Slack Tide Decaf). You won't believe your taste buds.

(Selected sources: "Coffee Comes of Age, with a New Look at Java's Many Health Perks" by Linda Antinoro, Environmental Nutrition 3/09 ; "Coffee Consuption and Risk of Stroke in Women" by E. Lopez-Garcia, Circulation, 2/09)