Java Jabber

Today at work, most of us are probably cradling our coffee pretty close. It sometimes feels necessary to get that extra boost, especially in the midst of a long work week, or on the way out that door before its even light outside. The only thing keeping me from the trid cup sometimes is the knowledge that it isn't terribly healthy for me.

But!

Good news!

We all know coffee can help you stay alert and awake when you're short on sleep. It can also increase physical performance. Now, a study on nutrition and cancer done last year has shown that coffee alsohelps slow cancer's spread as well as helping increase the effectiveness of treatment. Another series of studies from 1995 - 2003 showed that "long-term caffeine use has been found to reduce the risk of brain damage, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epileptic seizures and even stroke."  Unfortunately, the benefits of caffeine in women begin's to decrease after about 3 cups, whereas it seems to continue to increase in men.  A different set of studies in 1993 and 2005, indicates that coffee drinking can help protect your liver.

And for those of you who feel that you just cant live without coffee, don't do anything drastic.  Another study from 1993 has actually shown that coffee decreases the risk of suicide in women by 13% for every cup consumed daily.