Coffee is a source of phytonutrients and caffeine. These substances have health benefits.
If you know me then you know I LOVE coffee. I love the smell, the taste, and the energy boost it gives me. Hot, cold, lukewarm after a workout...I can (and do) drink it all day. In addition to its energizing affects, research continues to find its numerous health benefits. According to John Hopkins Medicine, these are just some of the benefits:
1) You could live longer.
2) Your body may process glucose better.
3) You're less likely to develop heart failure.
4) Your odds of getting colon cancer will go way down.
5) Help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and protect against dementia.
6) Give your memory a boost.
7) Decrease mental fatigue.
8) You're not as likely to suffer a stroke.
However, not all coffee is made the same. The calories in those specialty drinks can add up quickly. A Grande Caramel Frappuccino contains 370 calories with 55 grams of sugar. To put that in context, a packet of sugar typically contains 4 grams. That's almost 14 packets in one drink and more than the 10 percent of our day's calories needs of sugar. That's not to say this drink shouldn't be enjoyed, it should just not a frequent as a regular cup of joe or perhaps with some modifications.
If you prefer a chic drink go easy on the added shots of caramel, chocolate, and flavored syrups. And customize your coffee drink to make it healthier. Request non-fat milk or soy milk, or perhaps sugar-free syrups. Remove the whip cream or ask for less. Instead of syrup or sugar try a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon.
A cup of black coffee contains zero calories. Add a splash of non-fat milk (approx. 2 tablespoons) and you've added only 12 calories and 35 grams of calcium. If you're like me, I enjoy just a splash of cream. This does increase the calories to 40, but it also increases the calcium to 50 grams.
With its many health benefits, coffee should be enjoyed often.
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