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Pssst! You there, gorgeous, yawning at your desk (again). If you're chastising yourself for thinking of heading to the cafe for your second latte of the day, don't. Busy brides, take note: Coffee, in moderation, of course, is actually quite good for you. Don't believe it? A long list of research over the past years might even convince you to take a coffee break, right now!
It helps you burn fat: That caffeine buzz that gets you through a long workday, followed by a meeting with the minister? Yes, it keeps your eyes open, but it may also help your body burn fat. Several studies over the last decade show a measurable link between coffee and increased metabolic rate (i.e., your body's ability to burn energy and fat).
It makes you happy: While just thinking about an egg nog latte any time of the year causes us to smile, it turns out that there's actually a biological link between coffee intake and a lower risk for depression. In fact, in a large study by Harvard researchers, findings show that women who drink four or more cups of coffee a day have a 20 percent reduced risk for depression and other mental health issues.
It may protect you from diabetes: UCLA researchers say that the compounds in coffee could have protective effects against type-2 diabetes.
It's loaded with antioxidants: You know how health experts are always touting blueberries and blackberries as being high-antioxidant, disease-fighting foods that everyone should be eating more of? Well, guess what? Coffee is a big source of good-for-you antioxidants, too! In fact, one study found that coffee could be America's best source of antioxidants.
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It's good for your liver: Italian researchers (from a country that knows their espresso) recently found that coffee has a protective effect on the liver. In fact, it may not only help protect against various forms of liver disease, but it may also help ward off liver cancer.
It may reduce your risk for a stroke: In one Japanese study of more than 80,000 people, scientists found that those who drank coffee were 20 percent less likely to suffer from a stroke. (Bonus: If you like green tea, the beverage also had the same protective effects.)
It's good for your heart: Harvard researchers say that people who drink four cups of coffee a day (note, we're talking 8 oz. cups here, not venti-sized cups) had an 11 percent lower rate of heart failure than those who abstain from java.
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An impressive list, no? Still, most health experts advise against drinking coffee excessively, which can cause anxiety and upset your digestive tract. The sweet spot for the bride who wants to be energized but not jittery? Keep your coffee consumption to two to four 8 oz. cups a day, say most doctors.