How do you feel about coffee, Joe? Are you a coffee drinker? I’m 66 and have recently gotten a clean bill of health from my doctor. He told me that a cup or two a day isn’t going to do me any harm, but I’m really trying to be on my best behavior. Should I cut it out of my diet completely?

I agree with your doctor. A cup or two, or three, of coffee a day shouldn’t do you any harm if you’re health is clean, and it may even do you some good.

Recent studies have found freshly ground coffee beans to contain antioxidants, which are compounds that attract free radicals, the pollutants that infiltrate our bodies on a daily basis. In addition, coffee tends to keep the digestive tract operating smoothly. You’ve probably noticed this for yourself.

More recent research indicates that the caffeine in just one cup of coffee a day can help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and that risk for Parkinson’s is reduced dramatically in those who drink three or more cups of Joe per day.

I recommend consuming up to 24 ounces (3 cups) per day, but none later than dinnertime, as the caffeine could disrupt your sleep. Also, limit the use of creamers and sweeteners as these generally don’t hold any health benefits for your body and are often a source of fat, sugars and chemicals.

So, I say, put a pot on and save a cup for me!