WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | The Good And Bad Of Coffee

If you were seen with a cup of coffee in your hand 20 years ago, you might have received a lecture on how bad it was for you. However, new studies suggest a few cups can be very beneficial as long as you don't overdo it.

"Moderation may be three cups per day, up to maybe six," said Dr. Robert Keith, a nutritionist at Auburn University.

That little boost of energy every day could prevent some diseases.

"What they find is that people who drink coffee get significantly less type two diabetes, so coffee seems to have a protective effect on that disease," said Keith.

However, Keith says diet and exercise are still your best bet for preventing this type of diabetes. The caffeine in coffee can also be helpful.

"Coffee has been shown to have a pretty good striking effect on reducing your chances of getting Parkinson's Disease," Keith said.

Where there are benefits, there are also risks. Coffee also increases the level of a harmful protein.

"People with high CRP, or C-reactive protein, levels in their blood are more likely to get some level of cardiovascular disease," keith said.

Women in particular have to be careful.

"Women who consume lot of coffee seem to have less bone mineral and are more likely to perhaps get the disease osteoporosis, which is a bone-loss disease," said Keith.

--Written by: Brock Parker