One of my long-term habits may be at least partially vindicated.  An article in today’s New York Times suggests that coffee may be beneficial for health.  Researchers have found strong evidence that coffee substantially reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver.

Larger quantities of coffee seem to be especially helpful in diabetes prevention. In a report that combined statistical data from many studies, researchers found that people who drank four to six cups of coffee a day had a 28 percent reduced risk compared with people who drank two or fewer. Those who drank more than six had a 35 percent risk reduction.

Researchers found that a typical serving of coffee contains more antioxidants than typical servings of grape juice, blueberries, raspberries and oranges.

Of course there are some negatives too, as the article also notes.