Book of Good Advice Book_of_good_advice | Page 40

HEALTH BENEFITS OF YOUR MORNING COFFEE Coffee affects everyone differently, but overall there are a few things to consider to make sure your coffee is keeping you healthy and not doing you harm. 1 FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS Coffee is chalk full of antioxidants. Some studies argue that coffee contains more antioxidants than fruits and veggies. Two major antioxidants found in cof- fee, called polyphenols and hydrocinnamic acids, are particularly adept at com- bating free radicals, which can cause cellular damage that leads to disease. So drink up to keep your cells healthy and free radicals at bay! 2 DECREASED RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition which occurs when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or it resists insulin. Numerous studies point to a decreased risk of Type 2 Diabetes with daily coffee consumption. One Harvard study even found that a person’s risk for Type 2 Diabetes decreased by 9% with every daily cup of coffee they consumed. 3 HELPS YOU BURN MORE FAT That morning cup of coffee may have added benefits for your waistline, too (as long as you’re skipping the whip!) Your metabolic rate is how many calories you burn at rest, and it’s an important factor in maintaining a healthy weight. Studies show that caffeine can increase your metabolic rate by 3-11%, helping you burn a little more fat on a daily basis. 40