As we work to improve ourselves in the new year, how about an idea to help you sip your way to better overall health in 2017? I’m sharing my favorite drink - coffee! I think we all love it for that nice pick-me-up, but there are also some amazing health benefits to drinking a good cup of joe. And it’s the perfect time of year to pour yourself a nice hot cup.

Research has shown those who drink a moderate amount have been linked to a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart and lung disease, stroke, diabetes, infections, and even melanoma. Of course, these benefits are primarily limited to plain coffee, not sugar-loaded specialty drinks. And drinking as little as two 8-ounce cups of coffee with breakfast may help you eat less the rest of the day. In one study published in Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity, overweight study participants given this amount of coffee consumed 550 fewer calories per day.

It’s amazing, for sure - but why? The study credits caffeine which may suppress appetite. Some other fun facts: drinking coffee can improve memory, alertness, and concentration. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth but don’t want the calories, there are some delicious flavored coffees like caramel and vanilla, even hazelnut - without the calories from sugar. I love these from Community Coffee - they’re delicious and it’s the perfect balance of sweetness.

Something else a lot of us have on the brain right now for the new year- working out! A cup of coffee can really help you out! Caffeine consumption may reduce pain and perception of fatigue by affecting receptors in the brain, encouraging training at higher intensities. Most studies say the perfect time to consume some caffeine is about 1 hour before you exercise. This will help enhance performance. The effects likely last about 4 hours.

You’ve probably repeatedly heard advice to avoid caffeinated beverages because they cause dehydration, and it may be hard to believe, but there’s actually widespread consensus stating the opposite. The amount of caffeine found in about 3 regular cups of coffee has no significant effect on overall fluid balance during exercise. It actually induces a mild, short-term diuretic effect, similar to that of water.

So after all this, are you ready to brew yourself a cup?! Well, here’s the perfect place to start: Community Coffee Company. Now in its 97th year, Community Coffee Company is the largest family-owned and operated coffee brand in America, and four generations of the Saurage family have operated the company since its inception. They’re an importer, roaster, and distributor of the highest-quality premium coffees, using only 100% select Arabica coffee beans. And as you can see there’s a wide variety of flavors and styles to choose from. So, take your pick and get brewing toward a healthier 2017!

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