Day: July 23, 2012

HOW COFFEE AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH

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OK, once and for all, is coffee good or bad for your health? The answer is – in short – it’s a little of both.

Too much coffee can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure, anxiety and upset stomach, in addition to its ability to become addictive. And don’t forget that added cream and sugar contribute to weight gain. For example (and you’re gonna hate it), a 24-ounce Starbuck’s venti double chocolate chip frappucino contains a whopping 520 calories!!!

Despite these drawbacks, moderate coffee consumption can actually have a positive effect; it can help to reduce your risk of many problems, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, liver cancer, gallstones, and Type II diabetes, to name a few. It can also lower the risk of stroke in women.

Research has shown there is no increased risk of heart disease or cancer from moderate coffee drinking. And a recent published study found that there was a 25% reduction in cases of endometrial cancer in women who drank four or more cups of coffee per day. Scientists believe that this is due partially to the cancer-fighting effect of coffee’s antioxidant phenols.

Even a few cups of coffee per day can cut men’s risk of developing prostate cancer by 30%, with those consuming six cups per day reducing their risk by a whopping 60%. Coffee also reduces your risk of developing basal cell carcinoma by up to 20%.

It is recommended that you get no more than 500-600 mg of caffeine per day, the equivalent of about six to eight cups of brewed coffee. Obviously, the amount of caffeine in a cup of espresso will be more than that.

The key thing to remember is to consume coffee in moderation. But all in all, the benefits of coffee far outweigh the risks, so grab a cafe grande and drink up!

FAST N EASY POWER BREAKFASTS

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Everyone is pressed for time in the mornings, but PLEEZE do not skip breakfast!!! Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day — especially in the areas of maintaining energy and brain function. Eating a good breakfast is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Avoid eating refined sugar as much as possible. NO donuts!! Most cereals contain far too much sugar to be considered healthy. The better choice would be what our grandmothers used to eat: Eggs, fruit, dairy and whole grains. These things will provide you with steady energy to keep you going until lunchtime. Following are some breakfast ideas:

Eggs – which are called the “perfect” food – provide a considerable amount of protein and minerals. Cook up a quick batch of cheesy scrambled eggs. Break a couple of eggs into a bowl, whisk briefly, add to the pan, and as they cook, add a handful of cheddar cheese. In less than five minutes you have a healthy, fast and easy breakfast……even kids love it!

Whole grain breads and cereals such as oatmeal provide healthy fiber and B vitamins. Oatmeal not only lowers cholesterol, but also reduces your risk of contracting heart disease and Type II diabetes. It is one of the best sources of soluble and insoluble fiber, which both promotes digestion and keeps you feeling fuller longer. Try adding blueberries and honey to your morning oatmeal for an extra special treat. In addition to providing powerful antioxidants, blueberries protect against cancer and promote healthy bone growth. In addition, they contain only 57 calories per 3.5 oz serving, and 25% of your RDA of Vitamin C.

Smoothies may be the king of fast breakfasts because they are quick to make, they provide fruit and dairy, and give you a good supply of calcium, vitamins and antioxidants.

So before going to bed tonight, plan breakfast for tomorrow morning…….another tip to make it fast, easy, and healthy!