How to beat the habit

[Mike Mclees]

11 hours ago, The_Patriot21 said:

Because caffeine while not healthy for you, isn't as bad for you. Drinking 5 cans of dew or a venti cappuccino won't cause you to wreak your car, and doesn't alter your mental faculties in the same way as alcohol, and won't give you copd and lung cancer in the same way as smoking.

It's also typically not as addicting.

Though, believe it or not bad habits are addictions as well, mental addiction is a thing. Think about it...name something you've been in the habit of doing every single day for your entire life and then try just stopping. 

Now back to caffeine...yes it's a drug...no it's not good for you. But it's not mind altering.  But, it should also be noted the Bible doesn't directly prohibit smoking or caffeine, it does say to take care of our bodies, but neither are prohibited. And the Bible only prohibits getting drunk, it doesn't say you can't drink.

In fact alcohol in small portions can be good for you, same with marijuana. Caffeine, has its place, I wouldn't last long in the winter without my coffee lol.

And smoking...no positive uses I can think of but neither is it the unpardonable sin.

 

 

 

Still these things are harmful to the Body. Both my Father and Uncle died from these things. they were robbed from a meaningful full life. For example could you be a good example if you were witnessing to a non believer. How would it look to lite up a cigarette and died 6 months later from cancer, or lets say you had a drinking friend who had a problem, would you go into a bar with him having an alcohol problem. ?

WE are called to be the better example even if we did not have a problem. If one harms his body is it not sin?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Starise]

Habits can turn into physical addictions when chemicals the body becomes dependent on are involved.

Mentally we confidentially think we can handle something, but physically we find we are sometimes tied to a practice and need to break that tie.

We have a tougher time breaking away from the stronger substances. The minor substances considered to be drugs such as caffeine and sugar are easier to break. There some benefits to both of those substances. One of the benefits to coffee or tea with caffeine is it helps our blood circulation which helps us to wake up easier in the morning. Caffeine is a plants natural protection from insects and men have found it has certain benefits when used in moderation. We can develop a liking to anything that our bodies get used to and prefer. In many cases God has made some of these things for our enjoyment in moderation. I don't think this is maybe the place to get too involved in a discussion of dopamine which is also a drug our brains produce in response to certain pleasures.

Sometimes we get into the wrong use or purpose for the things God has said are ok, such as sex. Sex is intended to be an enjoyable thing in a marriage, but some have trained their bodies to enjoy it in a sinful way.

I can go without coffee and I might get a headache for a few days. Nothing terrible. We can go without other things probably more than we think we can. One big misconception is that once we get hooked on something, we will die if we stop it. There seems to be a physical tie there somewhere in our brains that  begs us not to stop with a relentless desperation. Ask yourself- If I stopped this what would happen to me? Are there other things I could replace this with that would help me to quit? Can I stay away from the places where I see the things I am tempted to do that are bad for me both physically and spiritually?

For anyone who is addicted, one of the best things to do is to have a person you are accountable to who will help you. Take one day, one week at a time. Don't look at it like it's impossible because you can't continue. Take one step at a time and don't look at the long term challenges. You will get to all of it in the right time. Probably long before you know it, you will have changed your once bad behavior toward substances and evil habits.

If you fall, remember the Lord is faithful to forgive the truly repentant. You only fail if you refuse to repent and don't want to give it up. Overconfidence in your limitations places the power all on you to quit. This is one of the worst things you can do. NEVER think you are beyond an especially addictive practice. We also rely on God for our salvation and to make us what we are supposed to be. Pride in anything comes before a fall. Those who crow the loudest will fall again the hardest.

On the lesser things such as coffee I have no conviction as a believer to quit. In moderation coffee has good benefits, so I don't believe it is bad for me. The only thing that might be bad about it would be an over dependence on it. I can't say the same for  porn addiction, and smoking. None of those have been shown to be ok in even small amounts. Wine in small amounts is ok if we only have it very occasionally. The bible isn't against wine. If drinking some alcohol makes you want to get drunk, then that's an area the person should stay away from. OTOH if you can drink a small glass of wine once a month or less and you have no desire for any more of it, this is not one of your weaknesses to avoid. If you have a friend who you know has this weakness, then it only makes sense to avoid it while around them because this will tempt them to get back into their weakness.

 

Edited August 23, 2022 by Starise

[missmuffet]

53 minutes ago, Mike Mclees said:

Still these things are harmful to the Body. Both my Father and Uncle died from these things. they were robbed from a meaningful full life. For example could you be a good example if you were witnessing to a non believer. How would it look to lite up a cigarette and died 6 months later from cancer, or lets say you had a drinking friend who had a problem, would you go into a bar with him having an alcohol problem. ?

WE are called to be the better example even if we did not have a problem. If one harms his body is it not sin?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course they are bad for you. They are a drug. All three alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. It is best if a person did not consume any three of them but that is rare. 

[Mije]

On 8/23/2022 at 11:17 AM, Starise said:

If you fall, remember the Lord is faithful to forgive the truly repentant. You only fail if you refuse to repent and don't want to give it up.

I desperately hope this is true. I keep getting back up and then I find myself in the gutter. I wonder sometimes when the hammer is going to fall and He takes everything away from me or takes me out altogether. 
at some point my sun WILL be brought into the light, won’t it?

[Selah7]

43 minutes ago, Mije said:

I desperately hope this is true. I keep getting back up and then I find myself in the gutter. I wonder sometimes when the hammer is going to fall and He takes everything away from me or takes me out altogether. 
at some point my sun WILL be brought into the light, won’t it?

Hello, Mije.  The following verse is worthiful. 

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

- John 5:8-9 (KJV)

I think that for all of us, when we find ourselves in the gutter, we need to get up and start walking, or at least moving!
God commanded this crippled man to get up, and in faith, he immediately stood up confidently, knowing that if Jesus gave the order, he could do it.  This man obeyed Jesus and took action and God healed him.

And we need to always remember that Jesus is our Sabbath, our Rest. 

[Sower]

ok

On 8/22/2022 at 1:00 PM, Mike Mclees said:

Scripture says There is nothing that has overtaken us that the Lord 

will not show us the way out. He alone can deliver us. 

I smoked 51 yrs. After God saved me, decided  I had to quit. Couldn't quit after years of trying every method available, save hypnotism. I still could not quit but now I haven't fired up a smoke for 9 yrs. The fervent prayer of a righteous man prayed over me and I was delivered. I could not quit so God delivered me. And to Him goes the glory.

I believe He allowed me to live years as a smoker to humble me, and to have compassion on all those others I observed who also, though they didn't smoke, had a "smoking habit/addiction" they could not/would not stop, whatever the addition/habit/ pet sin.

On 8/22/2022 at 1:30 PM, missmuffet said:

There are three drugs in our world today that are acceptable to our world and that is nicotine, alcohol and caffeine.

Actually there are many more. You list alcohol nicotine and caffeine, but what about food addiction.

"Sugar addiction, some studies have suggested that sugar is as addictive as Cocaine. People often enjoy the dopamine release that sugar brings. But due to the addictive nature of sugar, long-term health effects like obesity and diabetes are a risk of sugar overindulgence"

When I was delivered from smoking I gained 20 lbs, food, snacks, chips and fruit drinks etc. I later learned how much sugar I was unknowingly ingesting and did a detox, total 'cold turkey' from all sugar and it was worse than quitting nicotine, with head aches nausea, dizziness, dry heaves,  major withdrawal, etc. Cold turkey is not recommended, it's that addictive and you will experience super heavy withdrawals. Sugar is a drug that the major food processors know is addictive, and just about all food has added sugars. Look it up. And do not cold turkey. I had instant weight loss of 15 lbs, then more over time. I do a lot of heavy work that keeps me within 5lbs of normal for my height all my life.

Sugar releases dopamine in your body, which is why most people enjoy eating sweets. Dopamine is the chemical that helps you experience pleasure. In laboratory studies with rats, researchers found that sugar released dopamine in a way similar to drugs. Dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin, the "feel good' hormones. You can boost levels of these hormones with some simple lifestyle changes, like diet, exercise, and meditation, and possibly improve your mood in the process. Most all addictive activity will also release these and other hormones, thus they become addictive, the body/psyche demanding more(mental). 

Other addictions include gambling, work, exercise, internet and video games, sex, pornography, shopping, illegal and legal prescription drugs, teen screen addiction.   I know about addiction, my father's alcoholism, my brothers heroin addiction for pain  after being severely burned, my addiction to nicotine. The nicotine and other drugs legal or prescribed, sugars foods sex porn etc etc only trigger the "valves" in the brain to open up "receptors" and release feel good hormones. The same happens when receiving a phone call from a friend, a favorite movie or old song, pleasurable thoughts etc can release these hormones. Endorphins (endo  morphine's) brain  manufactured feel good hormones. As God created, and man abused.

Nicotine is the most  addictive, of all known addictions. The bodily withdrawal symptoms only last 3-5 days. It is the psychological part of quitting that is cause for relapse.  It may take 6 mos to a year for some. The problem is that nicotine has been artificially
opening the valve to release the feel good hormones, so it takes a while for the body to revert back to normal.

 

On 8/22/2022 at 1:30 PM, missmuffet said:

Let's take a look at caffeine. It is a drug. Have you ever noticed that there is a coffee barista on every corner of the street? Many can not even wake up without that first cup of coffee. People in our world today are obsessed with coffee. But no one will ever put caffeine in the same category as smoking or alcohol. Why?

"13 Health Benefits of Coffee, Based on Science"   Healthline/Riordan Clinic

"1. Coffee Can Improve Energy Levels and Make You Smarter

Coffee can help people feel less tired and increase energy levels (1, 2). This is because it contains a stimulant called caffeine, which is actually the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world (3). After you drink coffee, the caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it travels into the brain (4). In the brain, caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. When that happens, the amount of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine actually increases, leading to enhanced firing of neurons (5, 6). Many controlled trials in humans show that coffee improves various aspects of brain function. This includes memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function

2. Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat

Did you know that caffeine is found in almost every commercial fat burning supplement? There’s a good reason for that… caffeine is one of the very few natural substances that have actually been proven to aid fat burning. Several studies show that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3-11% (10, 11). Other studies show that caffeine can specifically increase the burning of fat, by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people (12). However, it is possible that these effects will diminish in long-term coffee drinkers.

3. The Caffeine Can Drastically Improve Physical Performance

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, causing it to send signals to the fat cells to break down body fat (13, 14).
But caffeine also increases Epinephrine (Adrenaline) levels in the blood (15, 16).
This is the “fight or flight” hormone, designed to make our bodies ready for intense physical exertion.
Caffeine makes the fat cells break down body fat, releasing them into the blood as free fatty acids and making them available as fuel.

4. There Are Essential Nutrients in Coffee

Coffee is more than just black water. Many of the nutrients in the coffee beans do make it into the final drink.
A single cup of coffee contains (21):
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 11% of the RDA.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): 6% of the RDA.
Manganese and Potassium: 3% of the RDA.
Magnesium and Niacin (B3): 2% of the RDA.
Although this may not seem like a big deal, most people are drinking more than one cup per day. If you drink 3-4, then these amounts quickly add up.

5. Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a gigantic health problem, currently afflicting about 300 million people worldwide. It is characterized by elevated blood sugars in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to secrete insulin. For some reason, coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The studies show that people who drink the most coffee have a 23-50% lower risk of getting this disease, one study showing a reduction as high as 67% (22, 23, 24, 25, 26). According to a massive review that looked at data from 18 studies with a total of 457,922 individuals, each daily cup of coffee was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes

6. Coffee May Protect You From Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. This disease usually affects people over 65 years of age. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s. However, there are several things you can do to prevent the disease from showing up in the first place. This includes the usual suspects like eating healthy and exercising, but drinking coffee may be incredibly effective as well. Several studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease

7. Caffeine May Lower The Risk of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, right after Alzheimer’s. It is caused by death of dopamine-generating neurons in the brain. Same as with Alzheimer’s, there is no known cure, which makes it that much more important to focus on prevention. In studies, coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, with a reduction in risk ranging from 32-60% (30, 31, 32, 33). In this case, it appears to be the caffeine itself that is causing the effect. People who drink decaf don’t have a lower risk of Parkinson’s (34).

8. Coffee Appears to Have Protective Effects on The Liver

The liver is an amazing organ that carries out hundreds of important functions in the body. Several common diseases primarily affect the liver, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease and others. Many of these diseases can lead to a condition called cirrhosis, in which the liver has been largely replaced by scar tissue. It turns out that coffee may protect against cirrhosis. People who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk (35, 36, 37)

9. Coffee Can Fight Depression and Make You Happier

Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life. It is incredibly common and about 4.1% of people in the U.S. currently meet the criteria for clinical depression. In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed (38). Another study with 208,424 individuals found that those who drank 4 or more cups per day were 53% less likely to commit suicide (39).

10. Coffee Drinkers Have a Lower Risk of Some Types of Cancer

Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death and is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. Coffee appears to be protective against two types of cancer… liver cancer and colorectal cancer. Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, while colorectal cancer ranks fourth (40). Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer (41, 42). One study of 489,706 individuals found that those who drank 4-5 cups of coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer (43). BOTTOM LINE: Liver and colorectal cancer are the 3rd and 4th leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of both.

11. Coffee Does Not Cause Heart Disease and May Lower The Risk of Stroke

It is often claimed that caffeine can increase blood pressure.

• This is true, but the effect is small (3-4 mm/Hg) and usually goes away if you drink coffee regularly (44, 45).
• However, the effect may persist in some people, so keep that in mind if you have elevated blood pressure (46, 47).
• That being said, the studies do NOT support the myth that coffee raises the risk of heart disease (48, 49).
• In fact, there is some evidence that women who drink coffee have a reduced risk of heart disease (50).
• Some studies also show that coffee drinkers have a 20% lower risk of stroke (51, 52).

12. Coffee May Help You Live Longer

Given that coffee drinkers are less likely to get many diseases, it makes sense that coffee could help you live longer. There are actually several observational studies showing that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death. In two very large studies, drinking coffee was associated with a 20% lower risk of death in men and a 26% lower risk of death in women, over a period of 18-24 years (53). This effect appears to be particularly strong in type II diabetics. In one study, diabetics who drank coffee had a 30% lower risk of death during a 20 year study period.

3.Coffee is The Biggest Source of Antioxidants in The Western Diet

For people who eat a standard Western diet, coffee may actually be the healthiest aspect of the diet. That’s because coffee contains a massive amount of antioxidants. In fact, studies show that most people get more antioxidants from coffee than both fruits and vegetables… combined (55, 56, 57).

BOTTOM LINE: Coffee is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. Period."

 

On 8/22/2022 at 2:27 PM, missmuffet said:

People can't function without their first cup of coffee. The world is in denial that coffee is actually a drug and has side effects.With all three drugs alcohol, caffeine and nicotine there will be withdrawals if they suddenly stop the drug. 

OK, but don't mess with my wife, age 73, wakes up teaches bible study at church and one for a ladies group at home every week,  taught every Vacation Bible School at church for last 40 yrs, many other church ministries, washes cooks shops groceries and keeps house, does my business books, daily feeds at least a dozen bird feeders, twice daily. She also like myself, has her own business buying and selling online, inventory up and down two floors, packages and ships daily, six days a week, and Sunday emergency shipping. She is the strongest woman I personally know, and the hardest working at five foot two, and the strongest spiritual woman I know. And the quietest and a great cook. And a health freak, does research about healthy eating,  has about a hundred (un:) essential oils, eats/cooks healthy and knows about the data I have posted above about the benefits of coffee.  I know she drinks at least 6-8 cups a day of coffee (probably more). Where we eat out is influenced by if they serve coffee.

On 8/23/2022 at 10:25 AM, missmuffet said:

Of course they are bad for you. They are a drug. All three alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. It is best if a person did not consume any three of them but that is rare. 

Can't agree with that statement.  Alcohol and caffeine actually have benefits, unless you abuse them for you extreme pleasure. Funny, no one has brought up one of the largest epidemic health issue here in America. Obesity. Food is also good for you, unless you eat nothing but junk food, or over eat, binge eat, and become a glutton. The USA is the most obese country in the world. Can't imagine why caffeine is considered so bad by some. I've been drinking it since I was a kid, and almost everybody I know does also. Most of my friends are in mid seventies, Baptist coffee guzzlers.

 

[missmuffet]

1 hour ago, Sower said:

ok

I smoked 51 yrs. After God saved me, decided  I had to quit. Couldn't quit after years of trying every method available, save hypnotism. I still could not quit but now I haven't fired up a smoke for 9 yrs. The fervent prayer of a righteous man prayed over me and I was delivered. I could not quit so God delivered me. And to Him goes the glory.

I believe He allowed me to live years as a smoker to humble me, and to have compassion on all those others I observed who also, though they didn't smoke, had a "smoking habit/addiction" they could not/would not stop, whatever the addition/habit/ pet sin.

Actually there are many more. You list alcohol nicotine and caffeine, but what about food addiction.

"Sugar addiction, some studies have suggested that sugar is as addictive as Cocaine. People often enjoy the dopamine release that sugar brings. But due to the addictive nature of sugar, long-term health effects like obesity and diabetes are a risk of sugar overindulgence"

When I was delivered from smoking I gained 20 lbs, food, snacks, chips and fruit drinks etc. I later learned how much sugar I was unknowingly ingesting and did a detox, total 'cold turkey' from all sugar and it was worse than quitting nicotine, with head aches nausea, dizziness, dry heaves,  major withdrawal, etc. Cold turkey is not recommended, it's that addictive and you will experience super heavy withdrawals. Sugar is a drug that the major food processors know is addictive, and just about all food has added sugars. Look it up. And do not cold turkey. I had instant weight loss of 15 lbs, then more over time. I do a lot of heavy work that keeps me within 5lbs of normal for my height all my life.

Sugar releases dopamine in your body, which is why most people enjoy eating sweets. Dopamine is the chemical that helps you experience pleasure. In laboratory studies with rats, researchers found that sugar released dopamine in a way similar to drugs. Dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin, the "feel good' hormones. You can boost levels of these hormones with some simple lifestyle changes, like diet, exercise, and meditation, and possibly improve your mood in the process. Most all addictive activity will also release these and other hormones, thus they become addictive, the body/psyche demanding more(mental). 

Other addictions include gambling, work, exercise, internet and video games, sex, pornography, shopping, illegal and legal prescription drugs, teen screen addiction.   I know about addiction, my father's alcoholism, my brothers heroin addiction for pain  after being severely burned, my addiction to nicotine. The nicotine and other drugs legal or prescribed, sugars foods sex porn etc etc only trigger the "valves" in the brain to open up "receptors" and release feel good hormones. The same happens when receiving a phone call from a friend, a favorite movie or old song, pleasurable thoughts etc can release these hormones. Endorphins (endo  morphine's) brain  manufactured feel good hormones. As God created, and man abused.

Nicotine is the most  addictive, of all known addictions. The bodily withdrawal symptoms only last 3-5 days. It is the psychological part of quitting that is cause for relapse.  It may take 6 mos to a year for some. The problem is that nicotine has been artificially
opening the valve to release the feel good hormones, so it takes a while for the body to revert back to normal.

 

"13 Health Benefits of Coffee, Based on Science"   Healthline/Riordan Clinic

"1. Coffee Can Improve Energy Levels and Make You Smarter

Coffee can help people feel less tired and increase energy levels (1, 2). This is because it contains a stimulant called caffeine, which is actually the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world (3). After you drink coffee, the caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, it travels into the brain (4). In the brain, caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. When that happens, the amount of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine actually increases, leading to enhanced firing of neurons (5, 6). Many controlled trials in humans show that coffee improves various aspects of brain function. This includes memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function

2. Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat

Did you know that caffeine is found in almost every commercial fat burning supplement? There’s a good reason for that… caffeine is one of the very few natural substances that have actually been proven to aid fat burning. Several studies show that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3-11% (10, 11). Other studies show that caffeine can specifically increase the burning of fat, by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people (12). However, it is possible that these effects will diminish in long-term coffee drinkers.

3. The Caffeine Can Drastically Improve Physical Performance

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, causing it to send signals to the fat cells to break down body fat (13, 14).
But caffeine also increases Epinephrine (Adrenaline) levels in the blood (15, 16).
This is the “fight or flight” hormone, designed to make our bodies ready for intense physical exertion.
Caffeine makes the fat cells break down body fat, releasing them into the blood as free fatty acids and making them available as fuel.

4. There Are Essential Nutrients in Coffee

Coffee is more than just black water. Many of the nutrients in the coffee beans do make it into the final drink.
A single cup of coffee contains (21):
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 11% of the RDA.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): 6% of the RDA.
Manganese and Potassium: 3% of the RDA.
Magnesium and Niacin (B3): 2% of the RDA.
Although this may not seem like a big deal, most people are drinking more than one cup per day. If you drink 3-4, then these amounts quickly add up.

5. Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Type II Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a gigantic health problem, currently afflicting about 300 million people worldwide. It is characterized by elevated blood sugars in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to secrete insulin. For some reason, coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The studies show that people who drink the most coffee have a 23-50% lower risk of getting this disease, one study showing a reduction as high as 67% (22, 23, 24, 25, 26). According to a massive review that looked at data from 18 studies with a total of 457,922 individuals, each daily cup of coffee was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes

6. Coffee May Protect You From Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. This disease usually affects people over 65 years of age. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s. However, there are several things you can do to prevent the disease from showing up in the first place. This includes the usual suspects like eating healthy and exercising, but drinking coffee may be incredibly effective as well. Several studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease

7. Caffeine May Lower The Risk of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, right after Alzheimer’s. It is caused by death of dopamine-generating neurons in the brain. Same as with Alzheimer’s, there is no known cure, which makes it that much more important to focus on prevention. In studies, coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, with a reduction in risk ranging from 32-60% (30, 31, 32, 33). In this case, it appears to be the caffeine itself that is causing the effect. People who drink decaf don’t have a lower risk of Parkinson’s (34).

8. Coffee Appears to Have Protective Effects on The Liver

The liver is an amazing organ that carries out hundreds of important functions in the body. Several common diseases primarily affect the liver, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease and others. Many of these diseases can lead to a condition called cirrhosis, in which the liver has been largely replaced by scar tissue. It turns out that coffee may protect against cirrhosis. People who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk (35, 36, 37)

9. Coffee Can Fight Depression and Make You Happier

Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life. It is incredibly common and about 4.1% of people in the U.S. currently meet the criteria for clinical depression. In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed (38). Another study with 208,424 individuals found that those who drank 4 or more cups per day were 53% less likely to commit suicide (39).

10. Coffee Drinkers Have a Lower Risk of Some Types of Cancer

Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death and is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. Coffee appears to be protective against two types of cancer… liver cancer and colorectal cancer. Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, while colorectal cancer ranks fourth (40). Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer (41, 42). One study of 489,706 individuals found that those who drank 4-5 cups of coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer (43). BOTTOM LINE: Liver and colorectal cancer are the 3rd and 4th leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of both.

11. Coffee Does Not Cause Heart Disease and May Lower The Risk of Stroke

It is often claimed that caffeine can increase blood pressure.

• This is true, but the effect is small (3-4 mm/Hg) and usually goes away if you drink coffee regularly (44, 45).
• However, the effect may persist in some people, so keep that in mind if you have elevated blood pressure (46, 47).
• That being said, the studies do NOT support the myth that coffee raises the risk of heart disease (48, 49).
• In fact, there is some evidence that women who drink coffee have a reduced risk of heart disease (50).
• Some studies also show that coffee drinkers have a 20% lower risk of stroke (51, 52).

12. Coffee May Help You Live Longer

Given that coffee drinkers are less likely to get many diseases, it makes sense that coffee could help you live longer. There are actually several observational studies showing that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of death. In two very large studies, drinking coffee was associated with a 20% lower risk of death in men and a 26% lower risk of death in women, over a period of 18-24 years (53). This effect appears to be particularly strong in type II diabetics. In one study, diabetics who drank coffee had a 30% lower risk of death during a 20 year study period.

3.Coffee is The Biggest Source of Antioxidants in The Western Diet

For people who eat a standard Western diet, coffee may actually be the healthiest aspect of the diet. That’s because coffee contains a massive amount of antioxidants. In fact, studies show that most people get more antioxidants from coffee than both fruits and vegetables… combined (55, 56, 57).

BOTTOM LINE: Coffee is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. Period."

 

OK, but don't mess with my wife, age 73, wakes up teaches bible study at church and one for a ladies group at home every week,  taught every Vacation Bible School at church for last 40 yrs, many other church ministries, washes cooks shops groceries and keeps house, does my business books, daily feeds at least a dozen bird feeders, twice daily. She also like myself, has her own business buying and selling online, inventory up and down two floors, packages and ships daily, six days a week, and Sunday emergency shipping. She is the strongest woman I personally know, and the hardest working at five foot two, and the strongest spiritual woman I know. And the quietest and a great cook. And a health freak, does research about healthy eating,  has about a hundred (un:) essential oils, eats/cooks healthy and knows about the data I have posted above about the benefits of coffee.  I know she drinks at least 6-8 cups a day of coffee (probably more). Where we eat out is influenced by if they serve coffee.

Can't agree with that statement.  Alcohol and caffeine actually have benefits, unless you abuse them for you extreme pleasure. Funny, no one has brought up one of the largest epidemic health issue here in America. Obesity. Food is also good for you, unless you eat nothing but junk food, or over eat, binge eat, and become a glutton. The USA is the most obese country in the world. Can't imagine why caffeine is considered so bad by some. I've been drinking it since I was a kid, and almost everybody I know does also. Most of my friends are in mid seventies, Baptist coffee guzzlers.

 

So you never drink a cup of coffee or have an occasional alcohol drink?

[Sower]

9 minutes ago, missmuffet said:

So you never drink a cup of coffee or have an occasional alcohol drink?

You may want to read my post, mm, where I stated I do.  See above.
Do you smoke or over eat?.....none of my business..

[missmuffet]

55 minutes ago, Sower said:

You may want to read my post, mm, where I stated I do.  See above.
Do you smoke or over eat?.....none of my business..

I am sorry it was so long I did not read the whole thing. Coffee is horrible for anxiety. It also causes heart arrythmias and causes problems with the stomach because it has so much acid. Many gastroentrologists(stomach doctors) will tell a patient "NO COFFEE!". Alcohol is horrible for the body. Researchers are now saying it is worse can nicotine for your health. It is one of the leading causes for cancer. I am glad you stopped smoking but you switched one drug for another. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol are all drugs and addicting. 

Edited December 11, 2022 by missmuffet

[Selah7]

Good morning, mm.