Coffee: Go oahead and have a java jolt - By Mark York

Over the years, we have heard to stay away from caffeine especially coffee because it was being classified as a drug. “Say no to drugs” has been the world motto and this campaign was affecting the coffee bean industry. Drinking two cups of coffee could possibly cause a rapid heartbeat in a small percentage of people and could temporarily raise their body temperature.

Some weight loss clients have been advised to drink two cups of coffee in the morning before a workout to help reduce body fat and increase energy. How this works is that the client will awake with an empty stomach, drink the two cups of coffee and proceed to workout. The caffeine in the coffee will boost their endurance by prolonging fatigue and help the client burn just body fat. What many people do wrong is they eat a meal right before a workout, usually high carbohydrates or no meal at all and wonder why they crash during a workout. Unfortunately you will only maintain your current weight and body fat instead of tapping your excess body fat storage.

Some other benefits to drinking coffee are:

- Improvements to long term memory.

- Stimulates bowels.

- Keeps you up at night .

Of course, plenty of clear liquids should be taken in to flush out toxins no matter how much coffee is consumed.

One proven negative effect of coffee is that unfiltered coffee beans have compounds that could possibly raise your blood cholesterol as much as 20 points. Basically, stay away from coffee made in a French press. Many people claim the flavor is better, but obviously it is not as healthy for the body. Therefore, drink only filtered coffee. 

A couple of tidbits of information about caffeine:

- 1 shot of espresso has less caffeine than regular coffee.

- 1 cup of coffee has more caffeine than a cup of tea.

- 1 cup of coffee can enhance your alertness.

So, go ahead and have a java jolt and enjoy! Take advantages of the benefits a hot cup of coffee can do for you. Be sure to drink your coffee black to save on the extra calories if you’re trying to lose body fat. Also be aware of flavored coffee that has been artificially seasoned. Always drink coffee in moderation.