We’ve always believed a good cup of 100% Kona coffee can brighten your morning. But now, the New York Times highlights research suggesting it might do much more.
In a June 2nd article titled That Cup of Coffee May Have a Long-Term Perk, science journalist Alice Callahan reports on a study tracking more than 47,000 female nurses over several decades. The takeaway? Women who drank more coffee in midlife were more likely to enjoy good physical and mental health well into their 70s and beyond.
Healthy aging in the study meant no memory problems, good mobility, and freedom from chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. And while tea and decaf didn’t show the same benefit, regular coffee did — especially for those drinking up to seven small cups a day. Their odds of healthy aging were 13% higher than those who drank the least.
“The data is quite consistent that coffee consumption is actually beneficial.”
— Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, Professor of Nutritional Epidemiology, Tufts University
Researchers aren’t exactly sure why coffee helps, but theories include caffeine’s protective effect on brain cells and anti-inflammatory compounds in the brew. Of course, balance matters. Past studies show health benefits tend to level off after about three or four cups a day — and cream and sugar may cancel them out.
At Rancho Aloha, we’re not doctors. But we are coffee lovers who take pride in growing organic Kona coffee that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your health. So if you already enjoy your morning cup, here's one more to savor that morning cup of coffee!
Cheers to health and harvest.