The Perks And Pitfalls Of Coffee

Perk #1: Disease Control

Coffee drinkers are less likely to have type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease and dementia. In addition, they have fewer cases of certain cancers, heart rhythm problems and strokes. MonkeyBusiness Images/PhotoSpin

Perk #2: An Abundance Of Antioxidants

Coffee, whether decaf or regular, is full of antioxidants, or nutrients that help prevent tissue damage caused by molecules called oxygen-free radicals. Sergey Nezhinkiy/PhotoSpin

Perk #3: Mineral Content

Coffee contains minerals such as magnesium and chromium. These minerals are essential in helping the body use the hormone insulin, which controls blood sugar. This helps type 2 diabetics, because their bodies have lost the ability to use insulin and regulate blood sugar effectively. Alexander Savchuk/PhotoSpin

Pitfall #1: Are Nutrients Transferrable?

Coffee's minerals and antioxidants provide nutritional value, but they do not necessarily make coffee good for us. Conducting further research may link the nutritional value of coffee as transferable to our bloodstream. Danila Bolshakov/PhotoSpin

Pitfall #2: Vision Problems

Although coffee combats certain diseases, it also may impair vision for avid coffee drinkers, according to research. Enjoying three or more cups of coffee daily may increase the chance of developing exfoliation glaucoma, an eye disorder that can lead to vision loss or blindness. The study does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship, however. MonkeyBusiness Images/PhotoSpin

Pitfall #3: Caffeine

Coffee contains caffeine, which can raise blood pressure, as well as blood levels of the chemical epinephrine, or adrenaline. Drinking too much caffeine could lead to problems such as anxiety, heartburn, headaches and irritability. Two cups of coffee a day is considered an acceptable amount. Any more is excessive and your body gets used to caffeine, becoming addicted. Kostrez/PhotoSpin

Consumers And Coffee

Coffee is a good energy boost in the morning and decreases the risks of diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease. Whether you caffeinate or find an alternative source of vigor, be aware that there are perks and pitfalls to this morning ritual. Piotr Marcinski/PhotoSpin