In order to answer this question, first we need to look at what coffee actually is. According to coffeecupnews.org, "Coffee actually comes from a cherry that grows on a bush or tree. That cherry has seed inside of it or “bean” which is then cleaned, dried, roasted (cooked), ground and then brewed." So, it starts out as a fruit, and then we use the seed, or bean to make coffee. That doesn't sound so bad, right? You say that everyone is always getting onto you about how bad coffee is for you, but it's actually a fruit! Also, according to WebMD, coffee drinkers are less likely to have type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and dementia and have fewer cases of certain cancers, heart rhythm problems, and strokes.
So then where is the problem?
The problem is when you start adding calorie and sugar packed creamers and flavors to your coffee. For example, my favorite Starbucks coffee is the Java Chip Frappucino. That drink alone has 200 calories with 35 from fat. Now that doesn't seem so bad, until you realize that plain coffee is calorie free. If you need to add some flavor, add some skim milk or stevia. You can even buy "skinny" creamers such as this awesome White Chocolate Mocha creamer from International Delights, that I use. Answer: Calories so empty that you don't even remember to count them.
So, in conclusion, if you're a coffee drinker, you don't have to stop. Just adjust.
- Don't drink coffee filled with empty calories
- Be wise about what you add to your coffee
- Don't drink coffee in place of water; a healthy dose of coffee is one cup a day
