Friday, January 4, 2008

The Skinny on Coffee!

Coffee is bad for you...coffee is good for you...the tune changes almost weekly with new information and studies.

What's true?

The Good-
  • Over 20 studies since 2002 have suggested that the consumption of coffee may ward off Type-2 Diabetes. Coffee contains the trace element Boron which may reduce insulin levels and stabilize glucose levels.
  • Coffee may reduce your risk of heart disease but it can raise your blood pressure so those with high-blood pressure may be advised to avoid the bitter beverage.
  • Consumption of 10 or more cups of coffee per day may protect against Parkinson's Disease
  • Consumption of coffee may slow cognitive decline associated with aging.
  • Coffee may reduce the risk of gout.

The Bad-

  • Coffee gets mixed reviews for cause and prevention of cancers; it may reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer - if combined with regular exercise; it may be beneficial to the liver, colon and rectum; but it it may increase the risk of stomach cancer and leukemia.
  • Pregnant women are cautioned about consumption of coffee due to potential damage to the fetus.

The Ugly-

  • We are not talking about a Venti Carmel Whatchamacallit, which is loaded with calories, fat & sugar!
  • If you use a French Press Coffee pot you may be ingesting extra oils that may increase "bad cholesterol"

For more information read Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year Everyone!
We at Dani McGee's Mountain Fitness Center are moving forward with technology. Last month - December 2007 - we launched our web site www.mtnfitness.com.
And now - the first day of 2008 - we have our own Blog!

Stay tuned for lots of great health and wellness tips here and elsewhere on our website.