Mature Life Features

Coffee breaks are being recognized as more than just a brief respite from work.

Caffeine can be good for you.

Moderation matters in all corners of our lives but up to three cups a day can be healthy.

Critics warn that caffeine dehydrates your system, increases hypertension and the risk of heart attack, cuts down on your ability to sleep, is linked to gout attacks, raises blood pressure, and brings on anxiety, heartburn and stomach problems.

While coffee fans admit much of this may be true, there’s a growing list of benefits for those who drink coffee.

Surprisingly, it’s been discovered that an eight-ounce cup of java contains more disease-fighting antioxidants than a regular serving of oranges or blueberries.

Coffee drinkers reportedly have a lower risk of such chronic conditions as diabetes and heart disease as well as less cognitive decline as they age.

Researchers have found that seniors who have as many as four cups of coffee a day cut in half their risk of heart disease compared with those who take in less caffeine.

Medical experts point out caffeine interacts with many medications so go over your list of prescriptions and supplements with your primary care physician to make sure coffee is compatible.

Among the benefits being attributed to coffee is the ability to relieve a headache as well as protecting the liver and offering defense against strokes and cancer of the mouth and throat.

Coffee drinkers who get agitated or jittery after too many cups of coffee have found that drinking decaf soothes the nerves while providing the same benefits.

Cutting back on the milk and sugar also limits your calorie intake. If coffee straight doesn’t suit your taste, try adding such flavor enhancers as cinnamon that not only improve the taste but add healthy benefits of their own.