Caffeine may reduce the risk of diabetes
Posted on January 1, 2012 by Lu Young RN
Caffeine may cut your risk of type 2 diabetes. And it has other benefits too.
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, colas and energy drinks. Up to 90 percent of Americans consume some caffeine daily with more than 50 percent consuming a daily cup of coffee. Experts estimate the average daily dose of caffeine in the United States is around 200 milligrams.
•Caffeine may reduce the chance of developing basal cell skin cancers. Women who drank more than three cups of coffee per day had a 20 percent lower risk of basal cell cancer than women who drank less than one cup of coffee a month.
•Caffeine may reduce depression.
•Caffeine does seem to help with pain relief and is included in many medications such as Excedrin and Midol which contain 100-130 milligrams per dose.
•Caffeine is a mild diuretic but does not cause dehydration with average intakes.
•Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others and may feel “jittery” or have difficulty sleeping especially if caffeine is consumed later in the day.
•Caffeine may reduce the risk of diabetes.
According to The Wichita Eagle (Dec. 27, 2011), ” In 2011, coffee was confirmed to ward off Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as type 2 diabetes.”
Women with greater levels of estrogen and insulin have a greater likelihood of developing endometrial cancer, and coffee appears to lower levels of both. Another factor is that women with diabetes are at greater risk, and some research has linked coffee with a reduced risk of diabetes. A further consideration is that the lower risk is likely due to coffee’s extremely high concentration of antioxidants rather than its caffeine content.
Coffee may have numerous health benefits, but be careful about how you prepare it. It is easy to add extras like cream, sugar, and other bad items.
Here is a healthy recipe for frozen coffee (127 calories).
Ingredients
1 cup double-strength brewed coffee
1 cup low-fat milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder, plus a smidge more for sprinkling
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1-2 ice cubes, if needed
Preparation
Freeze coffee in an ice cube tray until firm.
Combine the frozen coffee cubes, milk, cocoa, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla in a blender. Pulse until smooth, adding plain ice cubes if you want it thicker or a little plain cold water if you want it thinner. Divide between 2 glasses, dust with a little cocoa powder, if desired, and serve immediately.
Caffeine may reduce the risk of diabetes, so try some today.
