Another report about the health benefits of coffee came out recently. Normally I just ignore these reports because they are so numerous and seem contradictory, but this time I decided to post a few of my own thoughts on coffee.

I’m a latecomer to the wonderful world of coffee. I didn’t start drinking coffee regularly until I was in my late twenties and it wasn’t until a few years after that before I learned to appreciate good coffee. Now I consider myself a bit of a coffee snob; I grind my own and only buy Organic/Fair Trade coffee. I rarely buy from a Starbucks (et al.) unless it is a coffee emergency or I’m on vacation. I knock back a moderate amount coffee in the morning and switch to decaffeinated tea after that and I have cut soda out of my diet almost completely.

In my opinion there really isn’t a better way to start the day than with good coffee. Even if you don’t like the taste, the smell alone is one of the most alluring, seductive aromas I can think of. There is something for everyone to love with the many variations and combinations of coffee including cappuccinos and lattes, iced coffees, and the calorie-laden concoctions like the caramel macchiato.

The health benefits of coffee are numerous, but I think it all boils down to the fact that taking the time to brew good coffee can improve the quality of your life. That might sound a tad melodramatic but ask any coffee lover and they will agree.

So if you are sitting at work drinking that burnt, bitter, black sludge they brew to keep you alert and productive you should immediately walk to the nearest sink and dump it out and start brewing your own because, thankfully, coffee is still good for you.

Photo credit: http://flickr.com/photos/ahmedrabea/274197870/