Coffee!

I LOVE coffee. So much. It might be partly due to the fact that I grew up with the Gilmore Girls (and still hang out with them from time to time), and partly because it tastes like something that came out of the horn of a unicorn who’s diet consists only of pure magic. And let’s be honest, coffee makes you feel invincible.

The first (zombie-sounding) word out of my mouth every morning is coffee. My day just doesn’t get a good start without it. And yes, I’m a total caffeine-addict. Some days I feel like I should get it intravenously. But guess what? That’s okay. As long as you don’t overdo it with your daily intake, coffee and caffeine has been scientifically proven to not be harmful to you, and even has some awesome health benefits – besides making you feel like a superhero that can handle everything life may throw at you.

Yes, I sometimes take mine in a Disney-mug. Très chic.

First of all, caffeine is considered a stimulant drug because of what happens in your brain  when you drink it (or eat it or whatever). I wont go into details so as to not bore you, but it makes you feel more awake (or think you’re less tired than you are), and also makes you feel better and happier. It makes you more energetic and makes your body work faster and more efficiently.

Second, it makes you more awake and energetic so you’re more likely to move around more (which is always a plus) and maybe also get more stuff done, it makes you more alert and productive and helps your brain perform it’s tasks more efficiently – which means you can concentrate easier and perform more complicated tasks with less effort. Now, it’s important to remember that to get these immediate benefits, you must not overdo it. It may be that you’re at your best after 2 cups of coffee, but if you have anymore after that it will acuallt have the opposite effect and can actually also make you feel tired. Also, the daily limit for how much coffee is definitely safe, is about four regular cups of coffee everyday (or around 400 mg of caffeine). The limits and best amount are very individual, so listen to your body! And remember that if you’re pregnant, other limits apply.

And third, the oh-so-welcome health benefits. Some studies have shown that people who drink coffee regularly are less likely to die of various diseases, it lowers your risk of getting a stroke and heart disease, it helps your memory, it reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, and also reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. It might also be good for your liver. And lastly, it helps you stay hydrated throughout the day and helps your bowels do what they’re supposed to.

Of course, there are some less good things about it too. For one, drinking coffee does not cancel out the effects of other bad habits or risk factors that can contribute to illness. And pouring loads of milk, sugar and syrup into every cup is not recommended. Also, your body builds up a tolerance over time which means you’ll need more to get the same effect as you did in the beginning, and that you’re likely to go through withdrawal of you suddenly stop drinking it. Caffeine-addiction is very real. A high amount of caffeine might also kill you, but then we’re talking huge amounts, like 8000 mg – and I have no idea how anyone would get that much into their system.

So, if you keep your coffee-drinking at a moderate level, you should be fine – or really, really good. That way, you get all the amazing benefits that this wonderful cup of liquid black gold offers.

I know a lot of people stay away from coffee and drink tea instead, which is also yummy. I drink tea regularly, and many types of tea contain caffeine as well (naturally occuring, of course). And some are naturally caffeine-free, which is great for the evening or when you just need to relax.

Whatever you may be into, and however you like you coffee – milk, two sugars, coconut oil, cold, in a tall glass mixed with Bailey’s and with a little umbrella, substituted with tea: everything in moderation, and make sure you enjoy!