Coffee: Are you Drinking Too Much?

Oh, that wonderful java, that source of clarity and energy, that early morning ritual that gets you going with an aroma that can't be beat. Millions worship at the altar of coffee every day, drinking their cup with cream, with milk, half and half, or just straight up black. A national passion, coffee has become a part of our culture—but are you drinking too much? At what point should we cut back, and say that enough is enough, we're not going to have another cup? I'm sure you have a friend that drinks five cups a day, needing it with a fervor verging on addiction to just get through their job. Clearly they need to cut back, but what about the middle ground? At what point should you stop—and is there reason to? In today's article we're going to take a look at that delicious dark libation that drives our nation and keeps our GDP high. Coffee: when is too much too much?

First of all, let's answer this question simply and then explain why: no, you should not cut back on coffee. There, simple. Sure if you have hypertension you should drink decaf, as coffee can cause your blood pressure to rise a moderate amount, but unless you are seriously at risk you shouldn't worry. Also, if you are finding it hard to sleep, then don't drink any caffeinated beverages after six pm. Otherwise, you're find having a cup or two a day. More than that can verge on excessive, however, so try not to drink three or more cups.

Why? Because the health benefits are enormous. A cup of coffee can lower the risks of your becoming diabetic, for example. A review of research in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that if you had up to three or four cups a day, you could lower your chances of developing diabetes by up to 25%. Coffee drinkers may also be less likely to develop cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. How's that for a health benefit?

Further, caffeine may reduce the risks of Parkinson's, and possibly even Alzheimer's.  What's even better, a cup of coffee before a workout can greatly increase the amount of calories you burn as it gives you a boost that can knock you through plateau's and help you push as hard as you can. You don't need much for this benefit, but it can make a huge difference in the long run.

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