The Health Perks of Coffee

(CBS)  Most people are satisfied with the pep in their step they get from drinking a cup of coffee.

But your daily cup of joe could be better for you than you realize.

CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton says studies show caffeinated coffee may be beneficial for you, from head-to-toe.

Starting from the top, Ashton said, "We're talking about a reduction in the risk of oral and neck cancers, with more than four cups of coffee a day thought to decrease the risk by 39 percent."

And, while we've all heard caffeine can be bad for us, the good may outweigh the risks.

Caffeine can actually reduce the risk of heart disease. Ashton explained that, "There's an antioxidant found in caffeinated beverages like black tea, green tea, called flavonoids, to reduce the risk."

Studies have shown that women who drink two-and-a-half cups of coffee a day are at a lower risk for uterine cancer. "That protective effect is seen even in obese women who themselves are at higher risk," said Ashton.

Caffeine is also good for men -- those who drink six or more cups a day reduce their chance for prostate cancer by 60 percent, research indicates.

Though amount of coffee may seem like a lot, Ashton reminds us to keep everything in moderation.

"Excessive caffeine can have its side effects," said Ashton.

And caffeine lowers the risk of getting type 2 diabetics by 7 percent, one study showed.

[baregam]

Sorry, I paid attention to the comments and feel ashamed. I am sorry for the people that they still believe that docs for nothing will help them.
They are very spoiled and don?t see a patient but only money. The most important thing is that they are not interested to cure you. They keep you on short leash.
Pay attention to the dates of comments and you will agree with me.

[jd2408]

It wasn't too long ago when they said coffee was bad for you. They really have no idea. These people have their little study groups and there is nothing scientific about any of them. Its all based on percentages. My dad just passed away at 88 years of age. He grew up eating almost all fried foods cooked with lard. Drank coffee all day long. Smoked from the age of 14 and quite at 70. Drank his fair share of beer and got pretty drunk many times. His sister wasn't quite that bad but will be 90 next month. You can hurt yourself if you drink clorox bleach but its mostly in the genes.

[SunDog8259]

"He grew up eating almost all fried foods cooked with lard." Actually natural lard is one of the most healthy fats you can eat, it's like coconut oil. The so called experts call lard and CO "artery clogging" because they are solid at room temperature, but the truth (not dogma) is: saturated fats are very protective. Our ancestors evolved eating lots of them. It's only been the last 10,000 years or so, after the advent of agriculture, that the diseases of civilization have emerged. I beat back type II diabetes, chronic backaches and hypertension by switching to an ultra High-Fat diet consisting of mainly animal fats. My lipids profile has never been better, and I feel 20 years younger than my chronological age of 61. I enjoy plenty of fresh ground roast coffee and green tea everyday, but I have heard caffeine can stall weight loss for some people or even cause "adrenal fatigue."

[krzeaz]

I quit coffe and have a lot less joint and knee pain. No doubt in my mind it was the coffee.
Also, my acne is clearing up without coffee/caffeine. Direct cause and effect.

[faelagay]

I lisened to your segment on"The perks of coffee" and didn't hear anything on that coffee was helpful with "Ashma" as well. How true is this? Any info would be helpful. I have ashma. And am diabetic as well. Thanks. Gayla