I am a self-described coffee addict. I’m not even really alive until my first cup in the morning and I drink it throughout the day. Occasionally, I’ve been told by people that I should quit drinking coffee or at least cut down or switch to decaf, the reasons cited being concern for my health.

I’ve always asked them why is it that they think coffee is bad for your health?

Here’s the answer.

Harvard University researchers published a study that found a connection between coffee consumption and and cancer around thirty years ago. The study was flawed and retracted several years later. Due to the media blitz that followed the research “findings,” coffee has gotten an ill-deserved bad rap ever since.

In actuality, there are many studies that find that drinking coffee is beneficial to your health, and yes, that includes coffee with Caffeine. In fact, “Coffee is loaded with antioxidants, including a group of compounds called quinines that when administered to lab rats, increases their insulin sensitivity” says physiologist and longtime coffee researcher Terry Graham, PhD, of the University of Guelph in Canada.” This results in greater increased sensitivity, which in turn aids the body’s response to insulin. This may account for the reduced diabetes risk for coffee drinkers. Those who drink decaf coffee receive only half as much benefit as those drinking caffeinated coffee.

Studies have shown that coffee consumption aids in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Parkinsons disease, skin cancer, liver disease and more.

The Harvard Women’s Health Watch says:

Despite 20 years of reassuring research, many people still avoid caffeinated coffee because they worry about its health effects. However, current research reveals that in moderation—a few cups a day—coffee is a safe beverage that may even offer some health benefits. The September issue of Harvard Women’s Health Watch weighs the pros and cons of this popular beverage and eases the concerns of moderate coffee drinkers.

The latest research has not only confirmed that moderate coffee consumption doesn’t cause harm, it’s also uncovered possible benefits. Studies show that the risk for type 2 diabetes is lower among regular coffee drinkers than among those who don’t drink it. Also, coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, discourage the development of colon cancer, improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of liver damage in people at high risk for liver disease, and reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Coffee has also been shown to improve endurance performance in long-duration physical activities.

For those who drink coffee to stay alert, new research suggests that you’ll stay more alert, particularly if you are fighting sleep deprivation, if you spread your coffee consumption over the course of the day. For instance, if you usually drink 16 ounces in the morning, try consuming a 2-3 ounce serving every hour or so. Again, moderation is the key. Source: Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School, 2006.

There is an abundance of solid research showing that drinking coffee in moderation can be beneficial to your health. Not only do you benefit from the protection it provides for some serious diseases, but the aroma and taste of a hot cup of coffee is a pleasurable experience, according to this coffee addict.