With all of the hype regarding caffeine and the ill effects
of drinking caffeinated products, you might be surprised
to know that ~ according to recent studies ~ there
actually some benefits for the long-term coffee drinker.
This is particularly good news, in light of the trend
toward designer and gourmet coffees.  Not only does this
hot, rich beverage provide long-term benefits, but
caffeinated coffee is actually better for you than those
which are decaffeinated!

According to researchers at Harvard School of Public Health
and Brigham and Women~s Hospital, studies indicate that
those who drank coffee on an ongoing basis within a test
environment were found to have a considerably reduced risk
of developing Type 2 Diabetes than those who did not
consume the beverage.  In fact, male participants appeared
to have received the greatest benefit.  Those who drank
more than six cups per day were shown to reduce their risks
by more than fifty percent.  Conversely, women who drank
the same number of cups were only shown to reduce their
risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by less than thirty
percent ~ still impressive, though not as significant as
the benefit to men.

According to scientists, antioxidants in coffee may
affect how the body reacts to insulin, a substance
that is related to blood glucose levels. Caffeinated
coffee may actually increase the body's sensitivity to
insulin, lessening the likelihood of an individual
developing Type 2 Diabetes.

This particular form of diabetes, commonly found among
those who are over 40, obese and with a family history
which reflects diabetes, appears to be environmentally
triggered.  While most individuals who develop this illness
need to take an oral medication to control their glucose
levels, those with a more aggravated case may need to
receive insulin injections on a daily basis.  The effects
of caffeinated coffee on individuals who may have a
propensity to develop the illness could be staggering, if
the statistics are accurate.

Scientists are not yet sure whether what you add to coffee--
cream, milk or sugar--has any effect on the end result.
What they do know is that caffeine appears to raise
glucose levels in the short-term. More studies will need
to be done in order to confirm whether the same is true
when it comes to long-term caffeine consumption.

Though researchers don~t encourage folks to take up the
habit of excessive coffee drinking, those who do enjoy a
hot cup of ~Joe~ can relax without the worry of the
negative impact of their favorite beverage on their bodies.

Stacy Juchina is the creator of
<a href-"http://www.azcoffee.com">AZ Coffee, Inc.
</a>one of the leading information resources on the
subject of coffee available on line. For more insight,
and immediate access to his articles library, visit
http://www.azcoffee.com