Coffee's hidden health benefits

CINCINNATI - Experts say your morning coffee is doing more than waking you up for work.

Multiple studies show there can be hidden health benefits to drinking coffee.

Studies find people who drink three to five cups of coffee daily are 65 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's than those who drink no coffee. Another study found the risk of developing Parkinson's disease is lowered by 50 percent in those who drink one to four cups a day.

The antioxidant compounds in coffee can also help prevent certain types of cancer.

Researchers at Harvard University's School of Public Health found that drinking coffee lowered the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 60 percent compared to those who didn't drink coffee.

While the numbers are promising, researchers say the studies only asked people about their coffee habits, they did not control them and thus there is no specific cause and effect relationship between drinking coffee and these health benefits. Researchers added it is possible that coffee drinkers have healthier lifestyle habits overall.

To find all the hidden health benefits of coffee, visit http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/2009/05/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Coffee.aspx .