As I sit here writing this at 8:30pm, I think I could use a cup of coffee or maybe just need to get to bed. Today was National Coffee Day; I hope you got to pick up a free cup in your city.

People always seem very confused about coffee; is it good to drink, bad to drink?? I can tell you that I have a cup (a big mug) every morning. How else do you think I could get up at 4:10am for the past 4 years!

I think coffee, like most things, is fine in moderation. If you are drinking a pot or two a day by yourself you may want to consider cutting back.

One thing I have heard some of my trainer friends tell their clients is, if you are going to drink coffee, drink it to help your workout. Drink it about 30 minutes or so before your workout so you can use the energy boost to get a better workout in.

Here are some other benefits that have come about in different studies. By no means are these guaranteed to absolutely be true but it is what they are finding when studying the effects.

Coffee may reduce the risk of the following;

Alzheimer’s disease

gallstone disease

Parkinson’s disease

Cancer (certain types)

Gout in men over 40

Type 2 diabetes

** Coffee has been found to have antioxidants, magnesium and chromium which all help use insulin and control blood sugar.

For every benefit of coffee I am sure there is a study discussing the down sides. On National Coffee day enjoy a cup and think about using your coffee habit to better your daily workouts. Remember exercise and healthy eating is the best way to ensure a healthy body :)