For all you coffee lovers out there, here’s some more good news about coffee: A large study concludes that drinking coffee actually reduces the risk of suffering from heart disease and certain other disorders. Be aware that the risk reduction seems to peak at 5 cups per day. No you don’t have to drink that much nor is it recommended if you have any issues with your heart or feel the jitters. And remember that decaff has many of the same qualities.

Following more than 200,000 doctors and nurses over the course of 30 years, researchers dug deep into the stimulating benefits coffee has on your health. Patients underwent periodic physical examinations and participated in questionnaires regarding their diet, behavior, and of course, coffee habits.

Compared to those who do not drink coffee, this is what they found:

• 1 cup=6% reduced risk of death
• 3 cups=8% reduced risk
• 5 cups=15% reduced risk
• More than 5 cups=12% reduced risk

As a result of this massive study, researchers concluded that coffee drinking was linked to a reduced risk of death from various ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and neurological diseases. Before you go pedal to the metal on coffee drinks the study does not include the coffee extras…..milk, cream, creamers, sugar, artificial flavors and other condiments to your drink. These can add multitudes of extra calories along with a host of other undesirable problems.

Best move is to drink your coffee with a low fat organic milk, organic soy or almond milk in moderation. This will neutralize some of the acids in the drink. You might also consider a different approach, that of using a small amount of coconut oil. My personal experience with this approach is that the sensation of coffee “fullness” lasts far longer and surprisingly it did not ruin the taste of the coffee.

You might also consider that organic coffee should be your choice, especially since it’s so easily available and just a fraction more in cost.

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