Smell the coffee to melt away stress

A brand new study in lab rats shows that coffee may help relieve stress from not sleeping. After inhaling the aroma of coffee, more than a dozen stress-relieving genes turned on in the brains of sleep deprived rats. What is interesting, is that the smell of something can have such an effect on our brains, well in this case, rats. These types of studies are useful to set up human studies, but are not necessarily appropriate for making human recommendations. But, for now, it would not hurt to to inhale deeply while enjoying your cup of Java after a rough-night's sleep. Or, for those of you that do not drink coffee, breath deeply while purchasing your yogurt parfaits at Starbucks.

Coffee is good for you?

You may have heard reports that coffee is the next miracle food. From decreasing the risk of developing diabetes to decreasing the risk of Parkinsons and even preventing cavities -- there is a new-found love of coffee. Starbucks, get ready! Here is a list of what drinking coffee might do for you --
decrease diabetes risk
decrease Parkinson's risk
cure your headache
improve your mood
help your workouts
make you more alert
help you on tests
decrease your cavities
(click here for more on the health benefits of coffee)
Coffee is a plant based food and thus contains antioxidants and other nutrients as well as caffeine that may provide health benefits. But before you go ahead and up your java intake or start the java habit, you need to be aware of the down-sides and how coffee may affect you as an individual. There are studies that show that coffee may increase your cholesterol levels. Also, a new study out of Duke University Medical school found that caffeine increased blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Caffeine has also been shown to increase nervousness, anxiety and sleeplessness. So, bottom line -- if you currently drink coffee and do not experience any of the negative effects listed, then you are probably okay. For those of you who do not personally know "Joe"; drink it early in the day and take it slow to make sure you and "Joe" can be friends. Coffee is not necessarily for everyone -- if you have made it this far without coffee -- you are probably okay without it. You can get the health benefits listed above (and more) by eating your fruit (3), vegetables (3) and legumes (1/2 cup) daily.

Coffee good for women's memory

If you love coffee as much as I do and have "mommy brain," (as I do) you're going to love this news. Research was just published on over 7,000 women showing that drinking coffee may protect women's memory and even halt the development of dementia. Many of the women we talk to in our nutrition practices ask about whether coffee is okay and some even tell us they've switched to energy drinks thinking they're better. NO WAY! Coffee not only has zero calories, it's looking better and better in terms of numerous health benefits. Plus, taking a coffee break and sipping slowly provides its own mental recharge for the harried mom. Since having kids I can't seem to remember a thing - perhaps I just haven't been drinking enough coffee!