Coffee Is Good For You?

Two studies, published in the April 2010 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, report on the results of two separate studies expressing potential health benefits of coffee. Coffee contains nutrients, such as calcium, as well as compounds known as polyphenol, which promote good health. These studies support existing evidence that coffee can be an important addition to the day.

American Society for Nutrition spokesperson Shelley McGuire, PhD, states that the studies "add to a growing literature suggesting that my steaming cup of morning coffee might help me stay healthy." The studies include a well-controlled clinical trial that indicate coffee may lower chronic inflammation and raise good cholesterol levels.

Researchers must conduct rigorous clinical trials before saying definitely what benefits coffee provides, but McGuire, for one, believes that food and beverages that have long been a part of our culture are probably not bad for us, in moderation, and may even be good for us.

-- Amy Hunter

Learn more about the health benefits of coffee on LIVESTRONG.COM