Coffee is a contentious issue for some in the health food arena. Although the widely-beloved and versatile drink may trigger some anxiety and/or jitteriness in some, on the whole it’s been touted as being beneficial for a wide variety of ailments.
The latest of which, according to scientists, is as an ideal way to dramatically lower your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. The same is true for tea, red wine and dark chocolate as they contain the same antioxidants. These beverages are rich in polyphenols (plant chemicals) which fight cardiovascular disease by boosting the heart and blood vessels.
These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and repair damage to cells and DNA. Polyphenols are plant-based and include compounds like flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids. These are the biggest group of phytochemicals and can be found in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, tea, coffee, red wine and cocoa.
Adding a daily cup of coffee to your routine may safeguard your health and put a spring in your step at the same time. Additionally, coffee has been linked with helping prevent certain cancers and various neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc.)
The healthiest kind of coffee is black coffee, as loading your beverage up with tons of sweeteners and heavy creams/syrups can detract from the health benefits, but if you’re not drinking coffee…it may definitely be time to start.
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