Coffee myths and more mighty benefits
You know I'm a coffee lover -- and that solid research backs up the health benefits of both high-test and decaf coffee (as long as they're brewed in an unbleached filter and served without added sugars or fatty creamers). But some new info -- all good -- has emerged recently that's worth giving some time in the spotlight.
First: It's a myth that coffee is dehydrating for daily coffee drinkers. A carefully done study in PlosOne found that drinking coffee is as hydrating as drinking water. True, the researchers only looked at guys, but it seems likely that it's equally hydrating for coffee-loving females.
Second: Johns Hopkins scientists reported that having two to three 8-ounce servings of black coffee a day can increase life expectancy by more than four years and slash time with disabilities by six years. How? Coffee lowers the risk of heart failure, liver disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, colon cancer and Parkinson's disease.
Third: A randomized study in Scientific Reports shows that folks drinking the most caffeine daily slashed their risk of osteoporosis by 56% compared to folks drinking the least caffeine -- and having just 1 to 1.5 cups a day is enough to gain meaningful benefit.
Can't handle caffeine? Decaf offers benefits. Studies show it helps protect the heart, helps reverse metabolic syndrome (associated with Type 2 diabetes), and improves outcomes from chronic liver disease.
For more foods that can protect you from disease, check out my book, "What to Eat When" and discover the brain benefits of 39 other choices presented in "The Great Age Reboot."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Comments