How Your Morning and Nighttime Routines Affect Your Health
After you read up on the consequences, both good and bad, of your habits, it may be time for a tweak or two.
By Emma Haak
Your Daily Dose of Java
What you do: Have a cup (or 3, or 5) of coffee
Why that's good: Coffee consumption has been linked to decreased risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and more recent findings have linked it to a lower risk for multiple sclerosis and melanoma, and lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee says consuming 3 to 5 cups per day (up to 400 mg of caffeine) comes with no long-term risks for healthy people and is likely beneficial.
One more thing: Your go-to coffee order is probably more than one cup's worth. One cup of coffee generally means 6 ounces—a tall drink at Starbucks is 12 ounces, and a grande is 16 ounces, while a medium iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts is 24 ounces, though some of that is ice. (If caffeine makes you jittery or you have or are at risk for certain health conditions, it's best to modify your habit.)
Why that's good: Coffee consumption has been linked to decreased risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and more recent findings have linked it to a lower risk for multiple sclerosis and melanoma, and lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee says consuming 3 to 5 cups per day (up to 400 mg of caffeine) comes with no long-term risks for healthy people and is likely beneficial.
One more thing: Your go-to coffee order is probably more than one cup's worth. One cup of coffee generally means 6 ounces—a tall drink at Starbucks is 12 ounces, and a grande is 16 ounces, while a medium iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts is 24 ounces, though some of that is ice. (If caffeine makes you jittery or you have or are at risk for certain health conditions, it's best to modify your habit.)
Published 05/26/2015
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.