咖啡是非常受人們歡迎的飲料。很多人對咖啡也許又愛又怕，抵抗不了咖啡的醇香，又對各種有關咖啡不利健康的說法心存顧慮。咖啡，究竟對健康的影響有多少？讓我們一起來看看吧。
Enjoy your cup of coffee
Enjoying a cup of coffee while reading this article? Do you avoid caffeinated coffee because of its health effects? Read on and ease your anxiety.
Coffee is the beverage of choice for millions around the world. The cafe is an almost an entirely North American and European trend. In areas of the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia, coffee is seen as something more akin to cigarettes, and is drunk while socializing or doing other things, rather than being and end unto itself. Now in China, more and more people are delighted by the special flavor of coffee.
Aside from tasting good (and smelling even better), coffee is believed to have a number of health benefits. According to research funded by the American Cocoa Research Institute, coffee drinkers appear to have higher levels of antioxidants than those who don't drink the beverage. Antioxidants help the body ward off harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA. Studies have shown antioxidants to have a number of other health benefits, including protection against heart disease. Statistics from Harvard Health Publications say that coffee may reduce the risk of developing gallstones, discourage the development of colon cancer, improve cognitive functions, reduce the risk of liver damage in people at high risk for liver disease, and reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. Coffee has also been shown to improve endurance performance in long-duration physical activities.
If you are a coffee lover, now relax and enjoy your coffee!
Tips for those who have sleep deprivation to stay alert
New research suggests that you'll stay more alert, particularly if you are fighting sleep deprivation. The caffeine in coffee raises your blood pressure, so if you are going to drink a lot of coffee, choose decaf. Decaf has the same antioxidant benefits as regular coffee.
After all, moderation is the key.
antioxidant: 抗氧化劑，硬化防止劑
caffeine: 咖啡因，茶精（興奮劑）
gallstone: 膽石
decaf: 脫咖啡因咖啡
（首都師范大學通訊員陳蘇蘇供稿 英語點津 Annabel 編輯）
