A lot of people around the world cannot live without their daily dose of coffee. Espresso, decaffeinated, latte, cappuccino, plain black – regardless of the kind, it won’t matter as long as they get their cup any time of the day. For these individuals, there’s something about coffee that completes their day.
But there’s more to coffee than warming the stomach and satisfying caffeine cravings. Coffee actually has several health benefits – as long as consumed in moderate doses.
Over the years, several studies have proven the benefits of coffee in our overall health. For example, coffee is said to help lower the risk of diabetes, some cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. It can also work wonders for our brain, which makes it the staple beverage to start the day.
According to experts, individuals should limit their coffee consumption to three to four cups a day. Beyond that, drinking coffee may result in potential health risks, especially in the long run. People with hypertension and pregnant and breastfeeding women should also limit their caffeine intake, including through coffee.
In other words, coffee can make or break the state of your health depending on your consumption level. Coffee can either be as beneficial as good ol’ water or as destructive as soda. Nonetheless, there should be no reason not to enjoy a good cup of coffee a day.
Here are some of the health benefits of coffee:
1. Coffee is a great source of antioxidants.
It has been long known that coffee is a great source of antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory elements. Such health benefits can help lessen the risk of fatal diseases, including cancer, as well as slow down aging.
2. Coffee can help improve your energy levels and keep your brain sharp.
Studies reveal that coffee helps improve energy levels. This is one major reason why people drink it in the morning as a great way to perk up their day. As we all know, coffee is a great source of caffeine. Upon drinking a cup of coffee, the body absorbs the caffeine into the bloodstream and then into the brain. In effect, this compound improves the brain’s cognitive function, including mood, memory, and overall mental function.
3. Coffee can help you lose weight.
Before hurrying to your kitchen to help yourself to a cup of coffee, take note: plain black coffee is more effective in weight loss than that with added sugar and milk. Caffeine is actually a helpful fat-burning compound that is present in most diet supplements. According to studies, caffeine can help boost your metabolism by up to 11 percent and increase fat burning by up to 29 percent.
4. Coffee contains several nutrients.
Another benefit of coffee is that it contains several nutrients that are good for the body. These include riboflavin (Vitamin B2), manganese, magnesium, potassium, and niacin (Vitamin B3). Vitamin B2 helps maintain the body’s energy levels, while manganese regulates blood sugar and aids in calcium absorption. Potassium helps regulate muscle contractions and fluid balance, while Vitamin B3 improves the function of the digestive and nervous systems.
5. Coffee may help lower the risk of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people around the world. This disease is due to an increased amount of blood sugar. People with Type 2 diabetes are not properly able to produce insulin that supposedly aids in regulating blood sugar levels. However, several studies reveal that coffee drinkers have as much as 67 percent lower risk of having Type 2 diabetes.
6. Coffee may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory loss is one of the major diseases that plague elderly people. While there is no permanent cure for these diseases, it can be prevented as early as in your younger years. One way to prevent this dreaded disease is by drinking coffee. According to numerous studies, regular coffee drinkers are found to have as much as 65 percent lower risk of having Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Coffee can make you happy.
This can be true for coffee lovers, but it is more than that. In fact, a 2011 Harvard report revealed that women who regularly drank coffee had 20 percent lower risk of having depression. Speaking of depression, it is not a joke – it is actually a serious mental condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
These are only some of the best benefits of coffee. You can enjoy it anytime and anywhere, piping hot or loaded with ice. Just make sure not to overdo it because too much of anything is bad, as they say.
