The benefits of coffee
By Callie Muhammad
The caffeine in a daily cup of coffee can improve our mental performance. Awakening the brain and increasing alertness and concentration, coffee is one of the few beneficial beverages specified by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The popularity of this dark rich drink remains a social favorite primarily due to its variety of flavors. Its origin dates back to the Americas 800 B.C., although it was not well known until just 300 to 400 years ago. Despite the ability of coffee to stimulate the mind and body, its historical use for spiritual and medicinal practices are still misunderstood.
An Antioxidant Source
In an August 29, 2005 report, the University of Scranton researchers found that coffee was the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet. While fruits and vegetables are hailed as the richest source of antioxidants, the consumption of antioxidant-rich brewed coffee can inhibit diseases caused by the oxidative process. Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in food that prevent or slow the oxidative damage to cells within our bodies. Oxidation is a process that occurs when the cells utilize oxygen by naturally producing oxidants. These oxidants can be harmful to other cells resulting in cell damage. Antioxidants are beneficial in such cases as they act as oxidant scavengers preventing or repairing damage to cells.
Additional Benefits
Scientific studies have examined the relationship between coffee consumption and an array of medical conditions. Coffee appears to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, diabetes mellitus Type 2, cirrhosis of the liver and gout. Some health benefits are due to the oils found in coffee, which are a good source of vegetable lecithin and other substances known to be beneficial to the body. Lecithin is a substance the body uses to coat all brain, nerve and sex cells. It helps each cell connect with its environment by relating its activities with outside conditions. The energy and vitality level of emotion, mind and body change due to the amount of lecithin covering the brain and nerve cells. Consciousness is impossible without lecithin.