A great deal of research has been published lately on the effects on coffee on the human body.  And do you know what? It just might be better for you than previously thought.

New research suggests that coffee consumption may aid in preventing the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence suggests onset prevention, but no effect post-diagnosis.

And according to the Mayo Clinic Online, these studies have also shown possible benefits in protecting one against Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, dementia and type 2 diabetes.

There are at least fifteen published studies suggesting regular coffee consumption aids in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, and studies go on to show that decaffeinated coffee may have similar benefits as regular caffeinated coffee in preventing diabetes.  In a 2005 study of more than 193,000 people, “those who said they drank more than six or seven cups daily were 35% less likely to have type 2 diabetes than people who drank fewer than two cups daily.” (Dr. Frank Hu, WEB MD.)

Coffee is high in antioxidants, which protect your cells against the effects of free radicals in your body. And because coffee is made from plants, there are traces of magnesium and potassium in a cup of coffee. Not enough to provide you with your daily allowance, but if you’re not eating enough raw fruits and vegetables then every little bit helps.

Still, it’s important to watch what you eat and drink, and that includes coffee. If your doctor wants you off caffeine, there are some great naturally decaffeinated coffees out there that will still provide you with some of coffee’s ever-lengthening list of health benefits. That’s the good news for coffee drinkers. There’s more to coffee than just caffeine.