My name is Phil Hueston, and I am not your average pretty trainer. I've spent 20 years in the fitness profession and made enough mistakes to know I don't know squat. After working with high-level athletes, busy moms and dads, kids of all ages and even Autistic and special needs clients, I've learned that it's not all about sets, reps and meal prep. I explore all 4 Pillars of Fitness (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) with my clients, and I'll do the same right here. Join me for a somet ...
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Do you find yourself indulging in high-calorie, high-fat and -sugar foods a bit too often? We all crave "comfort foods" or treats now and then. During the pandemic craziness, some of us even turned to these foods to relieve stress, while others saw their nutrition habits laid waste by the lockdowns and other "new normal" nonsense. But there are rea…
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Do you spend time in solitude? I don't mean by yourself, scrolling through your social media feeds looking at what all your "friends" are doing. Real solitude. Disconnected from everything but the sound of your own thoughts. Making your way through days without the background noise of social media, news and nonsense. You might be surprised what you…
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If you listen to the news, you'd think the COVID-19 coronavirus was the end of the world. But the truth is that we've learned an awful lot in the 7 or so months since this novel coronavirus started to spread. In today's episode, we're looking at the work of one group of really smart people. At the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR…
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Help Your Kids Cope With The COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic
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The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic seems like the only thing on TV, radio, streaming services, news media and just about anywhere else. Infection counts, death tolls, arguments between politicians and the breathless pandering of the hair hat idiots in the media are overwhelming to the average adult. Can you imagine what all that can do to your kids?…
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Coach Feedback Is Brain Food For Athletes
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Feedback is important to the training process. Whether your athlete is learning a new lift, honing speed technique or developing a new sport skill, feedback can improve the process. It can sometimes mean the difference between failing and succeeding. But what if feedback is even more important than that? What if feedback, done well and done right, …
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Youth Sports and Kids Emotional Health: A Study Review
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Youth sports, especially in the US, has taken a lot of criticism lately. Not so much for the actual playing of the sports themselves. The criticism usually involves the behaviors, attitudes and actions of the adults involved. Generally, it's always been thought that playing sports is good for kids. Most people who've played youth sports would likel…
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Make Resolutions That Don't Suck and Won't Fail!
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It's (another) New Year. Are you making (another) batch of resolutions? How'd the last bunch work out? If the answer is "not so hot," the problem might not be you. It might just be the resolutions you're making! More accurately, it might be the nature of your resolutions. Want to make better, more successful resolutions? Join me and learn: Why emot…
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How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Looking Like Santa's Stunt Double
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It's the most wonderful time of the year! That's right! Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve all come rolling right in after Thanksgiving! It's like one calorie-riddled binge opportunity after another! Parties, errands, decorating, family get-togethers! Food, time crunches, stress, booze... It can all add up to a serious post-holiday bulge! But you …
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What's the key to success? Is there really a "secret sauce" for long-term success and achievement? What separates those who push through the hard times from those who bail when the going gets tough? Angela Duckworth is the author of the book "Grit" and a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, I take a look at a huge study do…
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Today's episode is a fresh edition of "Know Stuff," the series that brings you the stuff you need to know about health, fitness, nutrition and performance topics in a way that you might actually enjoy! In this episode, we're talking about the gastrocnemius. This muscle is often overlooked until it becomes a pain! Find out how it's built, what it do…
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Should You Hire A Youth Fitness Coach For Your Child?
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Today, I'm going to share my thoughts on whether parents should hire a youth fitness coach for their kids. Of course, since I am a Youth Fitness Professional, you might imagine that I'm biased toward a "yes" answer. You might be surprised! While I do believe that every kid would benefit from working with a Youth Fitness Pro, that doesn't mean it's …
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Accountability or Unnecessary Confrontation for Youth Athletes?
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Accountability. It's used so often and in so many arenas that it's practically a cliche. In business, in school and in sports and training, everyone likes to talk about accountability. For coaches, whether in youth sports or fitness and strength and conditioning, it seems universally accepted that accountability is key. In these arenas, "holding at…
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Back to School Nutrition Tips (Real World Edition)
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It's THAT time of year again! Kids are complaining, parents are rejoicing and nobody is really fully ready for what's next. I'm talking about "back-to-school" time, of course! There's a lot to think about when this time rolls around. Shopping, class schedules, new school mates, sports, etc. Nutrition can often get lost in the shuffle. So I'm offeri…
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Know Stuff - Leptin Resistance and Your Body Fat
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Do you know what leptin is? If you're trying to lose weight or struggling with weight issues, you probably should. Chances are, it has something to do with your success, or lack of it. You might be leptin resistant. And no matter which side of the aisle you're on or which way you lean, this is not a resistance you want any part of! Leptin is an imp…
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Friday Happy Hour With Lyle McDonald - The Sequel
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If you heard the first one, you already know this one is going to be fun! Lyle McDonald joins me once again for a lively shout at some clouds! In this episode, Lyle shares: How he got his start as a Karaoke superstar! His thoughts on "sport-specific training." When early specialization might actually help. Why the process matters, what the formula …
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This episode is rapid-fire, a little bit fun and a whole lot of useful! To be fair, this could have been 172 or even 1,072 fat loss tips that work. There are so many things you can do - small things and big - to burn more fat that it feels like this is just the "starter set." But here are 72. They'll help you get your meals right, step up your exer…
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Weight Loss Plateaus, Rebound Weight Gain, Brown Fat and Little White Mice
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8:50
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Have you struggled with losing weight? Weight loss can be frustrating. You're doing fine, then suddenly, poof! The weight stops coming off or even starts piling on again! Grrrrr! It can make you feel like a failure, for sure! But science may have figured out why so many people stop losing weight after the first batch of pounds comes off. It's not w…
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Essential Laws of Strength, Fitness and Performance #1 - More is Not Better, Better is Better!
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Today, I'm sharing the first of my "Essential Laws of Strength, Fitness and Performance." These didn't happen by accident. These Essential Laws were developed through observation and analysis, careful review of my work and that of others and trial and error. Law #1 may be the most important one to remember. Join me as I discuss how what we value as…
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Five Surefire Ways To Be a Crappy Coach or Trainer
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Everywhere you look, there seem to be fitness coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers and others in the fitness profession who are trying as hard as they can to suck. They seem to be trying to be terrible. I'm one of those people who believes that if you really want something and are willing to work at getting it, you should h…
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Research Round-Up, Vol. 5 - Some Straight Dope on Weed and Your Teens
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Everywhere you turn, it seems that someone is trying to convince you that marijuana - weed, cannabis, etc., - is not only not dangerous, but somehow good for you. I'm not talking about medical marijuana here. This is about recreational and casual marijuana. Government, media, lobbyists and those who will profit from legal cannabis are on the bandwa…
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5 Deadly Sins Parents and Coaches Make in Training Youth Athletes
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I've been around the Youth Training and Fitness field for 20 years and I've made enough mistakes to know I don't know everything. However, I DO know that parents and coaches are still committing some "deadly sins" when it comes to training youth athletes! Listen in as I share 5 of those "deadly sins." Find out: Why over-specialization is a major pr…
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What do you really know about protein? How much should you eat? What kind is best? Do all proteins act the same way in the body? What about my kidneys? Won't a high protein diet hurt them? Is protein made from bugs really a thing? Are protein bars okay? There are lots of questions athletes and clients ask me about protein. In this episode, I try to…
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13 Real Life, Science-Backed Reasons to Eat More Protein
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Do you eat enough protein? Chances are the answer is "no whey!" Sorry, really bad joke. But inadequate protein intake is no laughing matter! There are benefits to getting enough protein that you are likely not even aware of. You probably already know that athletes should eat more protein, but do you know why? Did you know eating enough protein has …
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Are you eating a Ketogenic, Paleo, Whole30 diet? Are you just trying to live "la vida low carb?" Are you diabetic or have other digestive or blood sugar issues? Would you simply like to reduce your, or your family's exposure to the massive amount of sugar that seems to be omnipresent in the modern diet? If you answered "yes" to any of the above, to…
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Research Round-up, Volume 4: All About Your Teenagers
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In this episode of Research Round-up, I share 3 research studies all having to do with teenagers. I discuss a study exploring the relationship between anti-social behavior in teens and altered brain function. I also look at a study which observed the relationship between exercise or a lack of it and sleep habits, quality and length in teens. Last, …
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Friday Happy Hour with Matt Taylor - Heavy Lifting, Periodization and Negative Calorie Oreos
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Today I'm joined by Matt Taylor of Stronger You Personal Training in Vancouver, BC. Matt has a unique perspective on the fitness profession and how to help his clients succeed. With a background in cooking and experience as a champion power lifter, he can offer clients knowledge, insight and experience like few others in the fitness field. Today, h…
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The Dirty Dozen - 12 Fruits and Vegetables That Might Be Killing You!
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Mom said "eat your vegetables!" Your doctor said eat a diet chock full of fruits and vegetables! Your trainer, nutritionist and all your friends say to load up on fruits and vegetables! If the Environmental Working Group is right, all those people are wrong...or trying to kill you! The "Dirty Dozen" list is out for 2019. It's the list of the 12 fru…
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Why Your Pre-Teen is Weak and What To Do About It!
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This episode is intended specifically for parents and coaches of pre-teens. Whether yours is an athlete, a mathlete or a "non-lete," chances are good they're weak! Physically weak, as in not strong. If you're wondering why all the hitting lessons, pitching lessons, position-specific instruction, camps, clinics and extra off-season sports practices …
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Friday Happy Hour with David Jack - Fitness Professional, Guide, Shepherd, Influencer, Activator
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My guest today is the inimitable David Jack, "International Man of Mystery!" When people ask "what does David Jack do?" the answer is often "he's David Jack!" In truth, however, David is a deep pool of fitness knowledge. His impact, though, is delivered through his intuition, experience, love, passion and willingness to go where many fitness profes…
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Five Weight Loss Diets (and One Diet Trend) That Suck
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Most people, at some point, would like to lose weight. Some people really want to lose weight! Some folks want to lose a lot of weight. If you are, or have been, one of these people, you've probably realized that losing weight in the modern world can be a challenge! You may even have thought there might be a shortcut. Well, an entire industry has b…
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5 1/2 Phrases Fitness Professionals Need to Know AND Use
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15:58
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If you are a Personal Trainer, Strength Coach, Physical Therapist or other health and fitness professional, this episode is for you! Of course, these phrases may actually make your life better even if you're NOT one of these. As Fitness Professionals, we tend to place a high value on education. We want to know as much as we can about biomechanics, …
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Just about everyone has heard of the rotator cuff. But what do you really know about it? Maybe you're an expert on rotator cuff anatomy, function, dysfunction, recovery and injury prevention. Congratulations, you're a rarity! For the rest of us, I take a look today at our rotator cuffs. What is the rotator cuff? What does it do? How does it get scr…
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Friday Happy Hour with Mike Howard - Extremism, Tribalism, Fitness and Nutrition
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Today's Happy Hour episode is a great interview with Mike Howard, owner and Choice Architect at Lean Minded. A fitness and nutrition coach with over 21 years in the profession, Mike shares some unique insights, high quality information and some really wise thoughts on fitness, nutrition, habit development and why Belle of Beauty and the Beast is a …
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Jacob McLaughlin Picks My Brain About Starting a Youth Fitness Program
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Usually during my podcast interviews, I'm the one asking the questions. Today, we flip that script and let Jacob McLaughlin of Jeremy Scott Fitness in Scottsdale, Arizona pick my brain about starting and running a youth fitness program. We cover topics including: How do you get started finding new clients right out of the gate? Why every session yo…
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Happy Hour with Gideon Akande - Finance, Fitness and Authenticity
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This week's Happy Hour features the one and only Gideon Akande! Gideon is an in-demand fitness professional, coach and leader. Based in Chicago, Giddy has had the opportunity to express fitness around the world and deliver an impact right in his own home town. Winner of Men's Health's "Next Top Trainer" in 2015, Gideon is a passionate ambassador fo…
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Expectations, Stress, Addiction and a Death Too Young
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No script today. No notes. Just a real, raw monologue. A young man I coached in the late 2000's just died of a heroin overdose. It's caused me a lot of pain, because I feel like I failed him. I know it doesn't work that way. He was a high-performing high school athlete. Then on to college. Seemed to have the world on a string. Everyone expected him…
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Welcome to Volume 3 of Research Round-Up! The connecting theme of today's research is heart health. More specifically, we're talking about aspects of heart health for men. Men who do extreme things. Men who used to block, tackle, hit other men for a living. (Or avoid being blocked, tackled or hit!) Men who fight fires and do push-ups (or don't.) Ou…
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Friday Happy Hour with Ben Boudro - Tragedy, Humility, Victory
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A casual look at the life of Ben Boudro, owner of Xceleration Fitness in Auburn Hills, Michigan, might lead you to believe he's like a lot of other fitness professionals. Fit, successful, family man, living the dream. And all of those things are true. But there's more to Ben's story. A deeper pool of humility, integrity and real, raw emotion. Join …
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8 Essential Reasons to Drink Water Like Your Life Depends On It
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Water. It's essential, right? Then why do so many people fail to drink enough to avoid dehydration? I'm not talking about people in drought-stricken areas. I mean people in areas with plenty of water. You know you should drink more water. You know it's good for you. But did you know HOW good for you? Were you aware of how many really cool things ha…
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Know Stuff Episode 2 - Orthorexia Nervosa
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Eating disorders. Most of us are at least casually familiar with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Both of these involve some clearly dysfunctional behaviors. But did you know that there is an eating disorder where eating clean, whole or pure can become hazardous to your mental and emotional health. Orthorexia nervosa is a…
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"Walk the pounds off!" "Jog to lose weight!" You've been told all your life that low-intensity, steady-state cardio for long periods of time is the best way to lose weight, get heart-healthy and look great. So why aren't all those people slogging along on treadmills impressive physical specimens? Because it's a lie! Cardio is crap, at least the kin…
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Happy Hour with Lyle McDonald - "We're all just trying to fix ourselves."
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Back when the internet was powered by mice on steroids sprinting on wheels, Lyle McDonald was writing and arguing about nutrition and fitness. In 2004, he wrote the original "A Guide to Flexible Dieting," which outlined a way to lose weight and get lean without rigid rules around food and without going insane. He has authored 12 others, including "…
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Know Stuff Episode 1 - Inversion and Eversion of the Foot
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Join me as I introduce another new feature on the Four Pillar Fitness podcast - "Know Stuff!" Quick, little snacks of knowledge about anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, fitness and nutrition intended to be both educational and fun. Today - Inversion and eversion of the foot. Do you know the difference? If not, you're not alone. Even some physical t…
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Today's episode is all about the one exercise that nobody seems to be lukewarm on - deadlifts! Love them or hate them, they may be the most important exercise lots of people are avoiding! Join me and find out why this loved/hated exercise is awesome for: > Corrective exercise - everything from anterior pelvic tilt to chronic back pain! > Injury pre…
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Friday Happy Hour with Jana Brooke aka "The Dumbbell Bombshell!"
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Happy Hour Friday is back! And there may be nobody better to get them back on the map than Jana Brooke, aka "The Dumbbell Bombshell!" Jana is a fitness professional with a great personal brand and an electrifying personality! Check out the episode to discover: >What Jana means when she says "when things are uncontrollable, there's always one thing …
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Welcome to the second Research Round-up! On today's episode: > What surprised researchers about women and low carb diets! > Why weight loss really is a "gut reaction" and how trillions of bacteria may be sabotaging - or helping - your weight loss! > What is the relationship between brown fat, muscle tissue and metabolism, and how might it help peop…
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Life moves faster and faster by the minute, or so it seems. Our families rarely get the kind of quality time we'd like to get and all too often our family's health takes a back seat to, well, just about everything. But you can change that, and you don't have to sell everything, move "off the grid" and make your own clothes out of animal skins. In f…
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Welcome to a brand new feature on the Four Pillar Fitness podcast! Each week on Research Round-up, I'll share my take on several research studies relating to one area of health, fitness, wellness or performance. This week our studies include research on: > How eating whole eggs may help you avoid Type 2 Diabetes! > How exercise helps eliminate bell…
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Body Image, Anxiety, Depression, Suicide. Is Your Teen "At-Risk?"
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At-risk teens. You think you know what it means. But what if it really means your kid? Your perfectly normal teenager may be at risk right now. At risk for depression, anxiety, negative body image and even substance abuse or suicide. The world is coming at your teen at an ever-increasing speed. Are they ready to handle it? Maybe, maybe not. Listen …
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Coffee has been a staple of civilized food culture for hundreds of years. From Yemeni mystics to bleary-eyed commuters, millions of people swear by it. But should you drink it? Yes, says science! Coffee has a wide spectrum of benefits that go beyond the caffeine buzz. From energy, concentration and focus to preventing Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimers an…
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