(NC)-Like many Canadians, Nancy, 59, wants to stay healthy. She exercises as often as she can and prepares balanced meals, but finds it tough to stay on top of what is considered healthy and what is not. For example, Nancy is confused about coffee and where it fits in her diet.

 

"I really enjoy my morning coffee and love to visit with friends over a cup in the afternoon," says Nancy. "I am worried though that these two cups are too much and maybe I should cut it out completely."

 

Nancy's consumption is well within guidelines recommended by Health Canada, as summarized on a new web site all about coffee and health (www.coffeeandhealth.ca).

 

Most adults can drink up to three to four eight ounce (237 ml) cups of coffee, according to Health Canada.

 

Caffeine is also present in substances such as tea, chocolate and some carbonated beverages. Consumers are advised to also look at other sources of caffeine when assessing their levels.

 

Did you know? Surprising facts about coffee

 

Coffee isn't normally thought of as a fruit but coffee beans are actually seeds. The bean is like a cherry pit and is the fruit of a coffee tree.

 

Coffee is one of the most significant sources of disease-fighting antioxidants in the Canadian diet. In fact, coffee has four times the antioxidant content of green tea.

 

Research shows that daily coffee consumption can cut diabetes risk by a much as 30 per cent. This may be because the antioxidants in coffee have a preventative effect.

 

Coffee can boost exercise performance, with athletes reporting that exercise feels easier than without coffee and endurance is improved.

 

Take the coffee quiz

 

It is surprising how little most Canadians know about coffee, especially its role in their health. Grab a coffee and take the coffee quiz to test your knowledge. Answer true or false to each of the following statements:

 

Coffee drinkers are at increased risk of developing cancer.

 

False: Various international cancer organizations have concluded that there is no connection between drinking coffee and increased risk of cancer. In fact, an emerging body of evidence is showing that coffee consumption may have a role in preventing cancer.

 

Coffee makes the bones excrete calcium leading to osteoporosis

 

False: Coffee consumption does not contribute to osteoporosis. It is a common misperception that coffee causes the body to excrete calcium. However, coffee is safe for bone health and may even have a positive effect if it is served with milk.

 

Coffee can lead to high blood pressure

 

False: While coffee can give blood pressure an immediate slight increase the change is temporary and is not considered significant. In fact, research indicates that people who stop drinking coffee do not have a subsequent drop in blood pressure. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada advises that up to four cups of coffee each day is not linked to health problems.

 

To continue the coffee quiz and to learn more about the research behind the connection between coffee and your health go to www.coffeeandhealth.ca

 

Credit: www.newscanada.com