Cup of Joe(s)

According to a recent study – Long-term coffee drinking does not appear to increase a person’s risk of early death and may cut a person’s chances of dying from heart disease. The study actually suggests that drinking up to 6 cups a day is not associated with increased deaths among middle-aged people.  It also suggests that women who drink 2 to 3 cups a day actually reduce their risk of death from heath disease.

I drink coffee, albeit not 6 cups a day, but I enjoy a cup every morning.  There is nothing like a nice hot cup of Eight O’Clock Coffee in the morning.  For my birthday last year – my parents got me a great Cuisinart coffee maker that has the grinder attached – so I wake up every morning to the whizz of the maker grinding the beans for a fresh pot.  Sometimes I get crazy and actually use my French Press.

It is funny to watch the evolution of coffee – what was once a cup of Folger’s (the best part of waking up…) or Maxwell House is now Starbucks, Caribou, Illy or McDonald’s Premium Blend.  Even Juan Valdez has a storefront now.  Whether you believe in fair trade, bold blend, robust blend, flavored or you like a cup of instant – there are a lot of options out there.  I actually have 3 Starbucks within 3 blocks of my apartment.  Not to mention a Cafe that serves Illy and the Bean Counter too!  The coffee house made so famous by Friends can now be as popular as your local tavern and is filled with socialites, students, professors and everyday folk.

So – what kind of coffee do you like?  Maybe you like a coffee drink.  Where’s your favorite place to enjoy coffee? Whatever the answers – the good news is that you can now enjoy your Coffee and Cigarettes without having to worry about the health risks – other than maybe some bad breath and discolored teeth!