10 more reasons to love coffee

MANILA, Philippines — Many detoxification diets restrict or even totally eliminate coffee to remove the added “burden” to the liver while cleansing your system.

Nonetheless, studies have proven that drinking coffee is actually good for the liver, the organ responsible for the body’s detoxification.

Studies show that drinking coffee poses many health benefits:

1. It reduces one’s risk in acquiring diseases. It is said that drinking up to six cups of coffee a day is safe.
2. It decreases risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. It reduces threats in the development of type 2 diabetes.
4. It possibly averts the formation of gallstones.
5. It diminishes risk of acquiring Parkinson’s disease.
6. It is said to protect the liver against injury and preserve its function of processing chemicals and breaking down drugs.
7. It can lower levels of certain enzymes and inflammation that could hurt the liver, thereby it also lowers the risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis.
8. The caffeine in four cups of coffee a day could prevent or reverse non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Duke University). 
9. Increased caffeine intake could reduce our risk for hepatic fibrosis.
10. Coffee’s kahweol and cafestol have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties; while the antioxidants chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid protect the liver cells from damage.

A coffee bean contains about 1,000 active ingredients loaded with antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals that could damage cells. Coffee is rich in polyphenols, one of the groups of antioxidants that benefit the body.

Caffeine also has a mild diuretic effect that stimulates the colon to help clear waste that may contain harmful substances. Faster intestinal movement is linked with reduced inflammation that is good for all parts of the body.

Experts advise drinking coffee in moderation (a cup or two a day) and avoiding conventional coffee that is full of pesticides and mycotoxin. Organic beans are the best option.

In appreciating the love for coffee, Nescafé offers its new Gold Collection with three flavors: Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato and White Espresso. The fresh coffee set is attached with carefully chosen Arabica and Robusta coffee beans partnered with fine milk and smooth café froth.

There has always been a debate about the safety of drinking coffee to pregnant women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends limiting pregnant women’s caffeine consumption to fewer than 200 milligrams per day, or a 10-ounce cup of coffee.­­­­­

— Reports from Ana Jacinta Olabre