Who doesn’t love waking up to the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning? Nothing helps kick start your day the way coffee does, especially Mondays! Whether it’s a latte, a cappuccino, or a shot of espresso, coffee is an all-time favorite morning fix for most of us, and we cannot imagine our mornings without it.
Since coffee is a morning staple for more than half of the entire working population of the world, let’s read about its health benefits and if it has any at all. Turns out, not only does it give you just the right boost of energy you need to start your mornings, but coffee also has a growing list of health benefits. Here is a list to mention a few:
Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Reduces the Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Caffeine is not only linked to lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease but is also associated with controlling their movements better. Studies show that drinking coffee also lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people.
Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Coffee is rich in antioxidants which affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism. All of these affect the development of type 2 diabetes. According to research, consuming coffee lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Reduces the Risk of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver disease is a serious condition that can become complicated and life-threatening. Drinking coffee has been seen to reduce the risk of liver scarring as well as the overall risk of developing liver cancer.
Reduces the Risk of Melanoma
Coffee contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acids, which protect the skin from sun damage effects, reducing the risk of basal cell carcinoma. Applying a scrub made from coffee grounds has also been seen to benefit the skin with eczema and acne.
Reduces the Risk of Depression and Suicide
Coffee has energy-boosting properties as it increases metabolism and the release of adrenaline. Coffee also boosts the release of dopamine, which is the feel-good chemical in your brain, causing you to feel happy.
It was also found that drinking coffee before exercise enhanced endurance in people and decreased their perceived exertion. So, coffee has been shown to improve performance in athletes.
Research confirmed that drinking coffee reduced the risk of death in people by suicide and significantly lowered the risk of depression in individuals.
Reduces the Risk of Gall Stones
Coffee has been shown to reduce the risk of developing gall stones in people who drink it regularly compared to those who don’t. Caffeine has also been shown to decrease cholesterol in bile and increase contractions in the gall bladder, thereby reducing the risk of developing gall stones.
Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
It was found that drinking coffee reduced the risk of developing heart disease. According to a study conducted on 21,000 people, it was found that increasing the intake of coffee reduces the risk of heart failure. Coffee contains magnesium and chromium, which help lower insulin and blood sugar and hence help to lower the risk of atherosclerosis and diabetes.
Reduces the Risk of Prostate Cancer
According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, coffee drinkers have been shown to have a reduced risk of developing a lethal form of prostate cancer. This cancer is not only one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers but is also the second leading cause of death in men in the United States.
It was found that even drinking one to three cups of coffee a day lowered the risk of developing prostate cancer in men by 30 percent.
Reduces the Risk of a Stroke
Drinking two to three cups of tea or coffee every day has been shown to reduce the risk of suffering from a stroke in people. It was also found that people who drink coffee are less likely to develop blood clots. This is due to the antioxidants present in coffee which have a beneficial effect on the following:
- Helps regulate blood flow
- Reduces LDL cholesterol
- Improves insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Helps in lowering blood pressure
It’s Better to Be Safe than Sorry
Despite all its health benefits, there are still health risks involved with overdosing on caffeine, and care is advised to consume in moderate amounts. Concentrated doses of caffeine present in caffeine pills and energy drinks can have damaging effects on health, such as a reaction called vasospasm. Vasospasm occurs when the tiny blood vessels in the brain suddenly close off, limiting the blood supply and oxygen to the brain, causing an ischemic stroke.
This is a more common occurrence with energy drinks than coffee, but combining the two with certain painkillers and drugs can be very dangerous. You must always check labels on everything before consuming, especially energy drinks, to see the level of caffeine that they contain. It is not recommended to swallow over-the-counter pills with caffeinated beverages or energy drinks either.
For pregnant or nursing women, it is advised to reduce their intake of caffeine or consult with a doctor on what is the minimum safe amount to consume. Coffee is also contraindicated in small children and those suffering from certain health conditions. It is best to drink coffee in moderation, and it is not recommended to exceed more than two cups of coffee in a day.
The Bottom Line
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide and is enjoyed by millions of people of all ages. After reading about its various health benefits in boosting energy levels, having antioxidant properties, and benefiting the skin, heart, brain, and liver, it can be concluded that drinking coffee is safe and healthy in moderate amounts.