Ever since my mom got me hooked by adding lots of cream and sugar, I’ve been an avid coffee drinker.

Is it good for me, I’ve wondered, and the answer seems to be “yes!”

In the Oct 3, 2015 issue of Science News titled”The Beneficial Bean” they write “coffee reveals itself as an unlikely health elixir.”

Here’s a summary:

Caffeine

• Reduces liver fibriosis
• Slows heart and liver damage.
• May counter Parkinson’s, dementia, and depression
• Boosts feel-good dopamine

Polyphenols

• Reduce liver fibriosis
• Boosts DNA repair
• May fend off blood clots
• Boost metabolic Efficiency
• Lower Blood pressure
• Act as demethylating agents
• Lessen internal injury from free radicals.

Diterpenes

• Fights certain carcinogens
• Reduce liver DNA adducts
• Boost levels of glutathione
• Target and kill mesothelioma cells in lung tissues
• Kahweol is anti-inflammatory and cuts blood flow to tumors
• But both can lead to higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL)

Trigonelline

• Antioxidant
• Lowers blood sugar
• May have brain benefits

The article goes on to provide a short history of research into coffee, some studies that show little positive or negative effects, and the liver as the biggest benefactor.  The sidebar in the article suggests filtered coffee removes some of the cholesterol-raising oils in coffee.

I’m ready for another cup!