The Health Benefits Of Drinking Coffee

Who doesn't perk up when they hear news that suggests a favorite vice may actually have a few virtues? People should — literally — if new research about the health benefits of drinking coffee is to be believed.

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A recent study published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association looks at the correlation between coffee consumption and human health. The analysis, which included the results of some 83,269 Japanese adults between the ages of 45 to 74, revealed that people who drank at least one cup of coffee a day lowered their risk of stroke by about 20 percent compared to those who drank it rarely.

Though scientific opinion is often strongly divided on the subject, this is far from the first time coffee has been credited with having some potentially good-for-you qualities. Even beyond studies that agree upon the subjective benefits of coffee (improved alertness, concentration, and energy), there are also those supporting loftier claims. For example, that consumption may help in lowering the incidence of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Now, to be clear, as is the case with the purported health benefits of drinking wine, these findings are based on the stipulation of moderate consumption. As nutritionist Kelly Aronica put it, "One to two cups a day (real cups, not two Starbucks Venti-sized beverages) can be beneficial."

Read on for the buzz on the many ways drinking coffee may be good for your health.