咖啡是非常受人们欢迎的饮料。很多人对咖啡也许又爱又怕，抵抗不了咖啡的醇香，又对各种有关咖啡不利健康的说法心存顾虑。咖啡，究竟对健康的影响有多少？让我们一起来看看吧。

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 beverage¹ of choice for millions around the world. The cafe is an almost an entirely² North American and European trend. In areas of the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia, coffee is seen as something more akin³ 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 ward⁴ off harmful free radicals⁵, which can damage cells and DNA⁶. 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 colon⁷ cancer, improve cognitive⁸ 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 deprivation⁹ 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: 抗氧化剂，硬化防止剂

caffeine: 咖啡因，茶精（兴奋剂）

gallstone: 胆石

decaf: 脱咖啡因咖啡