How coffee can help fight disease

In moderation, coffee, especially decaf, may have beneficial effects on your blood sugar which will help ward off type 2 diabetes. Here are some facts about the world's most popular drink explaining why it is so beneficial.

More and more research finds the risk of developing type 2 diabetes went down as coffee consumption went up. Researchers believe the antioxidants in coffee offer protection against disease of the liver and colon and Parkinson's disease as well. Coffee contains a long list of natural plant compounds, including polyphenol antioxidants called chlorogenic acids, that may contribute to its beneficial effect on blood sugar. Coffee's not only our morning wake-up call, it's also the number one source of antioxidants in our diets, outpacing even cranberries and red grapes, according to a recent study.

A coffee with your breakfast or after dinner, especially if it's decaf, is a good alternative to a soft drink and may even reduce your craving for a sugary doughnut or dessert if you add a little flavour twist. Here are but a few ways to add it to your diet.

• Make your own version of Irish coffee by adding 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) each of orange juice and lemon juice. (Lemon juice, which is acidic, lowers the effect of a food or drink on your blood sugar). Top with a spoonful of whipped cream.
• Create a delicious grog by adding cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, grated lemon and orange peel to coffee. Stir in fat-free half-and-half and lightly sweeten.
• Make Mexican mocha with coffee, chocolate syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Mix strong coffee and sugar-free hot chocolate. Add a dash of cinnamon and grated orange peel.

That said, caffeine does tend to cause blood sugar to spike, not to mention giving you the jitters. The answer: switch to decaf and you will get all of those healthy benefits without the caffeine rush.