Is Drinking Coffee A Healthy Habit?

Imagine your perfect morning…the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you smell a freshly brewed pot of coffee. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and is so well-loved that there is even a national holiday for it — National Coffee Day — on September 29th. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite brew while you learn more about coffee and your health.

The Benefits of Drinking Coffee

While you enjoy your cup of joe, know you aren’t alone. Studies show that 64% of Americans 18 and older drink at least one cup per day. You’ve probably heard of the risks of drinking too much caffeine, but did you know coffee has health benefits? And here at Markson Chiropractic, we are all about developing healthy eating habits! Countless medical studies have been conducted on the effects of caffeine on the body and findings include lower rates of certain types of cancer, decreased risk for Type 2 Diabetes. and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

All About Balance

Before you start chugging straight from the pot, you should understand the effects of caffeine on the body. Caffeine is a stimulant and triggers certain parts of the nervous system. This gives us a feeling of being more alert and focused, and also increases blood pressure and heart rate. Although caffeine isn’t linked with heart disease, you should be aware of how much caffeine you are consuming and drink it in moderation.

There are risks with excessive caffeine consumption, including jitters, anxiety, digestive issues, and heartburn. It can also disrupt your sleep and, as with any substance, overdoes is possible. This typically only happens when someone consumes multiple sources of caffeine in a very short amount of time, so be mindful of what you are putting in your body.

Healthy Habits

So, how much is too much? Healthy amounts of caffeine are about 4 cups of coffee (or up to 400 milligrams of caffeine) for most adults. Aim to keep your consumption at or below average to enjoy the benefits of caffeine without excess to avoid any health issues related to caffeine consumption.

Another important rule to keep in mind is that it is the coffee itself that is healthy, not all the additives. Avoid sugary and high-calorie concoctions, which can add hundreds of calories to your daily intake. If you aren’t careful, all that added sugar and calories can lead to weight gain. If creamer is a must, opt for more natural options made with whole ingredients and try adding natural spices like nutmeg or cinnamon.

The most important thing to remember is that life is about balance. Enjoy your coffee responsibly, and avoid using it as a crutch for lack of sleep. This can lead to excessive consumption and can ruin the health benefits you may be getting from coffee. We want to help you enjoy a healthy and happy life, so feel free to ask any questions you might have during your next adjustment, leave them in the comments below, or click here to contact us.