Everyone talks about their morning cuppa as a start to their day. Indeed, many the world oversee drinking their morning coffee as an integral part of their morning ritual. While some have criticised this brown substance as addictive, studies have shown that consuming coffee in moderation can actually have health benefits.
Here are 13 benefits to drinking coffee:
- It can help with focus
Coffee contains a stimulant called caffeine that can increase energy levels. After consumption, the caffeine is absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, it travels to the brain where caffeine blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine. When this happens, the amount of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine increases, leading to enhanced firing of neurons.
Studies have shown that coffee improves various aspects of brain function — including memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general mental function.
2. It can help with weight loss
Caffeine is one of the few natural substances proven to aid fat burning. Several studies show that caffeine can boost the metabolic rate by 3–11%. Other studies indicate that caffeine can specifically increase fat burning by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people.
That said, it is possible that these effects diminish in long-term coffee drinkers.
3. Coffee can be nutritious
Many of the nutrients in coffee beans make their way into the finished brewed coffee.
A single cup of coffee contains
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 11% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI).
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5): 6% of the RDI.
- Manganese and potassium: 3% of the RDI.
- Magnesium and niacin (vitamin B3): 2% of the RDI.
4. May reduce Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s certain cancers and risks of Type 2 Diabetes
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide.
While a healthy diet and exercise ameliorate the risk of Alzheimer’s, drinking coffee may be incredibly effective as well. Several studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem that affects millions worldwide. It is caused by elevated blood sugar levels as a result of insulin resistance or a reduced ability to secrete insulin.
For some reason, coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies observe that people who drink the most coffee have a 23–50% lower risk of getting this disease. One study showed a reduction as high as 67%.
According to a large review of 18 studies in a total of 457,922 people, each daily cup of coffee was associated with a 7% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition, right behind Alzheimer’s.
Caused by the death of dopamine-generating neurons in your brain, there is no known cure. There is therefore a greater focus on prevention. Studies show that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, with a risk reduction ranging from 32–60%.
In this case, the caffeine itself appears to be beneficial, as people who drink decaf do not appear to have a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life.
In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed.
Another study in 208,424 individuals found that those who drank 4 or more cups per day were 53% less likely to die by suicide.
Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death. Coffee appears to be protective against two types of cancer: liver and colorectal cancer.
Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer. Similarly, one study in 489,706 people found that those who drank 4–5 cups of coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer.
5. Heightens physical performance
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which in turn signals fat cells to break down body fat. It also increases epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in your blood. Adrenaline is the fight-or-flight hormone, which prepares your body for intense physical exertion. Caffeine breaks down body fat, making free fatty acids available as fuel.
Studies have shown that physical performance increases by 11–12%, on average.
6. May reduce depression
Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life. In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed.
Another study in 208,424 individuals found that those who drank 4 or more cups per day were 53% less likely to die by suicide.
7. A source of antioxidants
For people who eat a standard Western diet, coffee may be one of the healthiest aspects of their diet. Coffee is quite high in antioxidants. Studies show that many people get more antioxidants than from fruits and vegetables combined.
Of course, as with all things in life, there can be too much of a good thing and drinking too much coffee can have side effects such as feeling jittery or nervous.
When in doubt, please consult a medical professional.
