Reportedly, Voltaire drank about 50 cups of coffee each day!

I drink less than 5 cups a day. With such little amount of coffee, many of close friends are alarmed with what they see as 'excessive' coffee consumption. They must know that I got a minute share of about 500 billion cups of coffee consumed each year.

While some believe that coffee has undesirable effects, experts now consider it as new health food. Consider the following:

• At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk.

• Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.

• Coffee even offsets some of the damage caused by other vices, some research indicates. "People who smoke and are heavy drinkers have less heart disease and liver damage when they regularly consume large amounts of coffee compared to those who don't,".

• There's also some evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is unavailable, stop a headache, boost mood, and even prevent cavities.

Caffeine is also what helps in treating asthma and headaches.

Another cup of coffee please...

Jerry G. Gervacio
July 2007, Mandaue City