A recent article in Nutrition/Diet News gives us "Java Junkies" a reason to continue with our daily dose of goodness. Many studies have shown that heavy coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The studies show that people who drink four or more cups of coffee daily have a 50 percent lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The studies also show that every additional cup of coffee brings another decrease in risk of almost 7 percent! Who knew the coffee bean could have such great health benefits?

The researcher's primary focus was on a protein known as human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) which has been linked to cause Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The study found two categories of compounds in coffee that have an inhibitory effect on the hIAPP substance. Thus, blocking the hIAPP and preventing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Now you may be wondering, "Do I need to drink excessive amounts of coffee to reap the benefits?" The answer to this is "No". Just regular coffee drinking (2 cups per day) provides the preventative affects against Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Scientists also found that whether the coffee is decaffeinated or caffeinated the preventative effects are equally effective, if not more in decaffeinated coffee.

This justification of that daily cup of coffee is promising to many; however, there is a caveat. Caution needs to be taken when considering what is being added into that Cup O' Joe. Is it calorie and sugar packed? Is it full of half and half, caramel sauce, chocolate and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles? If so, perhaps two or more of these beverages a day could cause more harm than good. Just remember the preventative agents come from the coffee bean/ground itself not from the additives that enhance it. Here's a look at a few items that are commonly used to enhance the taste of your beverage.

(See attached chart.)

Sizing up your coffee additives can make a simple low calorie coffee drink contribute up to 580 calories and 15 grams of saturated to your diet. Consuming a 500 calorie coffee drink each day can add an extra 182,500 calories to your diet over a year. Translated, this can equal 52 extra pounds Dress down your drinks at the coffee bar by using nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup.