Coffee: The New Health Food?

 

Checking out at the grocery store yesterday, I came across a tabloid headline that read, "Coffee Is Healthier Than Vegetables." The article referred to a Pennsylvania study which found that coffee is, by far, the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet. But that doesn't make it "healthier than vegetables." All it means is that Americans drink a lot of coffee ... and eat too few fruits and vegetables.

 

While it's true that coffee is rich in antioxidants, vegetables have far more nutritional value. In addition to antioxidants, they also have vitamins, minerals, fiber, and active phytochemicals. And though one or two cups may have some benefit, studies have linked excess coffee consumption to high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and elevated cholesterol levels.

 

 

If you choose to drink coffee, here are some things to remember:

 

Use stevia instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners.

 

Do NOT use "non-dairy creamers." They are made with hydrogenated oil. Stick to cream or milk.

 

Buy organic coffee. Most commercial coffees are contaminated with pesticides.

 

- Jon Herring, 'Early2Rise'

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