October 12, 2005
MY SIN GOOD, YOUR SIN BAD:
Coffee Perks (Susan Yara, 10/12/05, Forbes)
It may be time to take coffee off the list of life's guilty pleasures. New studies indicate that moderate coffee drinkers can not only enjoy their morning java jolt, but they may also get significant health benefits in the process.This is good news for the millions of people who cannot seem to get through the day without an infusion of caffeine. Coffee is one of the few drinks that is universal. From cafes in Paris to truck stops in Japan to pubs in New South Wales, whether served as a hot, black shot of espresso, diluted with milk and sugar, or rendered virtually unrecognizable in a Starbucks' (nasdaq: SBUX - news - people ) Caramel Macchiato, more than $70 billion worth of coffee is sold every year, according to the London-based International Coffee Organization. In the U.S. alone--which is the world's largest coffee consumer--the National Coffee Association of U.S.A. (NCA) estimates that retail sales alone are $19.2 billion.
Despite earlier beliefs that coffee has negative health effects, it is becoming increasingly clear that the opposite is in fact the case. Coffee consumption is now being linked to the lowered occurance of cases of certain cancers and chronic diseases. One study, conducted by the Harvard University School of Public Health, shows that the risk for developing Type II diabetes is lower among regular coffee drinkers. There are even studies that link coffee to added endurance during physical workouts.
I'm not dependent, I'm health-conscious.... Posted by Orrin Judd at October 12, 2005 2:32 PM
Really, it's out of consideration for the wellbeing of our fellow man that we never miss a day. We consume it as a preemptive courtesy that they might continue to pursue freedom and happiness. It's not an addiction -- it's a small, willing sacrifice actually. (Note: this line of reasoning works for beer as well)
Posted by: John Resnick at October 12, 2005 3:24 PMI love cofee. Put a little Irish Whiskey in it and drink it while smoking a cigarette and you have the perfect breakfast.
Posted by: carter at October 12, 2005 3:28 PMA shot of whisky in there and it's all good.
Whiskey may fight cancer
Posted by: Rick T. at October 12, 2005 3:32 PMI drink coffee for my health. I smoke a pipe to still the caffeine jitters. It all works out.
Posted by: jefferson park at October 12, 2005 4:12 PMCoffee, like beer, is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. (h/t Ben Franklin)
Posted by: Robert Schwartz at October 12, 2005 5:09 PMIs Dr. Pepper then proof of the existence of the Devil?
Posted by: Ali Choudhury at October 12, 2005 7:13 PMAli: No, Soy Milk is.
Posted by: John Resnick at October 12, 2005 7:41 PM