No one can understand the truth until he drinks of coffee’s frothy goodness. ~Sheik Abd-al-Kadir
Alright now… I see how it is. I’ve given up sugar. I’ve given up white flour. I haven’t had a bite of pizza in six months, nor a cold and invigorating Pepsi. I have touched nary a tortilla chip and let ice cream come not near me. But now…. Oh now you think you can come between me and my beloved brew, my delicious dark obsession. Well think again! Take that!!
From an article on WebMD:
Want a drug that could lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and colon cancer? That could lift your mood and treat headaches? That could lower your risk of cavities?
If it sounds too good to be true, think again.
Coffee, the much maligned but undoubtedly beloved beverage, just made headlines for possibly cutting the risk of the latest disease epidemic, type 2 diabetes. And the real news seems to be that the more you drink, the better.
{…}
“Overall, the research shows that coffee is far more healthful than it is harmful,” says Tomas DePaulis, PhD, research scientist at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies, which conducts its own medical research and tracks coffee studies from around the world. “For most people, very little bad comes from drinking it, but a lot of good.”
Still there? Well, here - have another dose!
Consider this: At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.
Wanna hear from the other side? I can take it!
On the flip side, it’s clear that coffee isn’t for everyone. Its legendary jolt in excess doses — that is, more than whatever your individual body can tolerate — can increase nervousness, hand trembling, and cause rapid heartbeat. Coffee may also raise cholesterol levels in some people and may contribute to artery clogging. But most recent large studies show no significant adverse affects on most healthy people, although pregnant women, heart patients, and those at risk for osteoporosis may still be advised to limit or avoid coffee.
I’m not pregnant. I don’t have a heart condition. I don’t have osteoporosis…. So check this out!
The bottom line: “People who already drink a lot of coffee don’t have to feel ‘guilty’ as long as coffee does not affect their daily life,” says Hu. “They may actually benefit from coffee habits in the long run.”
Ha! Kudos to Kat and you other java-jilters, but to quote an unknown genius, “I’d stop drinking coffee, but I’m no quitter. ” 
Although I’m serious as a dark roast about not giving up my coffee, this post is, of course, tongue-in-coffee-soaked-cheek. And the signs you see here are just a tiny portion of my coffee home decor. Come not between me and my coffee! 
And I’m going to brew a pot of decaf right now…just so I can toast myself! So there!
Comment by blestwithsons — January 30, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
oh Blest, I’m about to go to bed, and then you go and post something else. Will be good and read it tomorrow, otherwise I’ll be up all night..!
Comment by Debs — January 30, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
Well…if just reading a post about coffee will keep you up - you’re better off not drinking it!!
Comment by blestwithsons — January 30, 2007 @ 3:37 pm
I just meant I’d get distracted and end up staying at the computer for ages. And I did get distracted, not by your post, but by my amazon marketplace account (oh, the excitement of it all!). And now I really am going to bed. Night night!
Comment by Debs — January 30, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
And here I was limiting myself to 3 cups of full-throttle a day, thinking that more would be bad for me. Though I really wanted more, like in the afternoon. I do want to get some decaf for that though. And now, with your permission
, I can! Free at last 
I do feel sorry for those with whom coffee, God’s good gift, does not agree.
Comment by lady laura — January 30, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
This was too funny. I’m with Blest - Give me Starbucks or give me death. We just bought a new Cuisinart coffee pot that grinds the beans and then brews….mmmmmmmm. The coffee is ohhh soooo yummy!
Comment by Mandi — January 30, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
Coffee? Bleck! I’ll just have my water thank you. And my weekend glass of yummy, pulp-filled OJ!
Comment by Bethany — January 31, 2007 @ 5:03 am
But your signs are cute!!
Comment by Bethany — January 31, 2007 @ 5:03 am
Fabulous signs - where did you get them? As one of the poor few who can not tolerate a great deal of the java juice I am glad (NOT REALLY! haha) that others can imbibe without fear! Too much coffee keeps me from my water and makes me a collosal GROUCH!
Comment by natasha25461 — January 31, 2007 @ 6:06 am
Hear, hear!! Let us imbibe with impunity!
Comment by Jana — January 31, 2007 @ 7:05 am
Yeah well, “Natasha”, too little coffee doesn’t do much for your mood either!
You don’t need to abstain, you just need to scientifically determine your optimal consumption quotient! 
Come stay with me and we’ll figure that out! 
The metal sign came from Hobby Lobby. The little plaques -of which I have four - were a Christmas gift from my mommy. I also have cool coffee hooks, cutting boards, trivets, framed pics, dish towels, coasters, message board, and a gigantic tin coffee pot. And yet somehow it’s not overwhelming…as a matter of fact- there’s not quite enough. You know what I need…a coffee wall quilt! Yeah! That’s it! And I know just where to get one….
Comment by blestwithsons — January 31, 2007 @ 7:08 am
You know, my husband thought I was crazy when I told him I was addicted (and dependent) on coffee. It and sugar were my drugs of choice. When I went off it I noticed a HUGE difference in how I felt. He was a coffee junkie himself. I challenged him to quit and see what happened. He swore coffee did nothing for or against him….well, he was wrong. He’s off it now and says the difference is unbelievable. He hadn’t realized how he was medicating himself throughout the day with it.
Different people may have different tolerance levels but I still believe that most people don’t realize how dependent they are on the caffeine. Have you noticed all the “sleep aid” commercials? Makes me wonder if America is on caffeine overload? I don’t think most coffee drinkers (or caffinated soda drinkers for that matter) stop at one cup (or can) in the morning.
Just my opinion and all you caffeine drinkers can stone me if you like lol. Just for the record, I do like the taste of coffee so it’s not like I’m “anti-coffee”. Oh and I do like coffee memorabilia and decor - very cool.
Comment by Blair — January 31, 2007 @ 8:07 am
Oh I know how dependent/addicted I am. I just don’t care!!
Besides, I’m ADD. Better coffee than Ritalin!
Oh- and I don’t have a problem sleeping at night.
Comment by blestwithsons — January 31, 2007 @ 9:27 am
ROFL - you’re too funny Blest - at least you aren’t in denial
Also, you may drink 8 cups but it’s not full octane either - that does make a difference.
Comment by Blair — January 31, 2007 @ 9:40 am