I was reading a study the other day that found people who drink coffee every day lived on average 16 years longer than people who did not drink coffee. This was encouraging to me, as I have taken to drinking coffee on a fairly regular basis during the workweek. I drank my coffee with a renewed sense of well-being.
Until I read another study that said coffee can raise your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to potentially unhealthy levels. The same study also said coffee could cause heartburn, nervousness or insomnia.
I found myself in a coffee conundrum. To drink it or not to drink, that is the question.
Next, I was instructed by an online fitness guru to have bacon on a daily basis. He said bacon is high in protein, which helps maintain muscle. He also stated bacon contains large amounts of vitamin B. B vitamins are important for making sure the body's cells are functioning properly. They help the body convert food into energy, create new blood cells, and maintain healthy skin cells, brain cells, and other body tissues.
All great things, right? Well, not so fast.
Upon further review, another online medical expert said bacon contains nitrates and nitrites have been shown in very high doses to be potential human carcinogens. There is some indication that nitrates in bacon may increase the risks of colon cancers, heart diseases, and diabetes.
Once again, I found myself in a pickle. A pig pickle as to whether or not to enjoy some bacon.
All of this back and forth made me sleepy so I decided to try to get some sleep. As I was reading trying to doze off, I came across some research on sleep. The article said for optimal health a person should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. The study said sleep is essential for our body and mind to recharge. Sleep also helps the body remain healthy and stave off diseases. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly and will deteriorate.
Great! I thought.
However just as I was about to nod off my reading took a different turn. A study presented to an esteemed body of health professionals found that too much sleep could affect your risk of heart disease. People who slept more than nine hours a night had an estimated 13% risk of developing heart disease in the next 10 years.
This had me in the dream danger zone. Too little sleep my brain will melt. Too much sleep and my heart will melt.
Who knows what is right or what is wrong? I guess I will just take the approach of believing the best part of waking up, is waking up.