15 Ways Coffee Can Benefit Your Health and Wellness

If you’re reading this, then chances are you already know the many health benefits of coffee. You probably think of it as a beverage that helps you get through the day and you’re right! 

But did you know that there are some other ways that drinking coffee can improve your life? It’s true: Research has shown that drinking coffee can actually decrease stress levels, help burn fat and prevent cavities. 

Here are 15 reasons why coffee is good for your health:

15 Health Benefits of Your Morning Coffee (Drink Up!)
Takeaways
– Coffee has numerous health benefits, backed by scientific research.
– Regular coffee consumption can lower the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
– Coffee contains beneficial compounds like antioxidants and caffeine.
– Moderate coffee consumption of up to 3-4 cups per day is generally considered safe for most adults.
– Adding high-calorie ingredients like sugar and cream can negate the health benefits of coffee.

Helps Burn Fat

Coffee can help you burn fat.

Studies have shown that drinking coffee before a workout can increase the amount of fat burned during exercise and also reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The best part? You don’t have to drink a lot to see results when it comes to weight loss! Dr. Oz recommends consuming 3 cups of coffee per day for optimal health benefits, with no more than 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day if you are sensitive to caffeine or pregnant.

Regular consumption of coffee can improve your overall wellbeing and lower the risk of several chronic diseases. According to our article on 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee Every Day, coffee can reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, among other benefits.

Lowers The Risk Of Type Two Diabetes

The evidence is clear: drinking coffee not only helps to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, it also improves insulin sensitivity, which will help you prevent the disease in the first place.

Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than non-coffee drinkers. 

And while some research has shown that caffeine may be responsible for this effect (which makes sense caffeine is known to increase your metabolism), there’s another benefit here that’s often overlooked: antioxidants!

EffectSources
Lowers Risk of Type 2 DiabetesMultiple studies have found that habitual coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. (Carlstrom et al., 2018; van Dam et al., 2002; Wang et al., 2018)
Improves Insulin SensitivityResearch has suggested that coffee may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which could help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. (Salazar-Martinez et al., 2004; Zhang et al., 2019)
Can Increase Blood Sugar in the Short TermCoffee contains caffeine, which can lead to a temporary rise in blood sugar levels. (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse)
Can Contribute to Insulin Resistance in Some CasesSome people with diabetes or insulin resistance may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine, and may need to limit their intake. (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse)

Cuts Risk Of Cancer

  • Coffee contains antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.
  • Antioxidants help prevent free radicals from damaging cells and causing cancer. They also help clean up DNA damage that can lead to cancerous mutations.
  • In particular, coffee can protect against liver, pancreatic, breast and prostate cancers:

o Liver Cancer: A study published in the journal Hepatology found that people who consumed more than 2 cups of coffee per day had a 47% lower risk of dying from liver disease compared with those who never drank it or only drank it once in a while. 

This effect was even stronger among heavy drinkers who reduced their consumption by switching from alcohol to coffee for at least six months their risk dropped by 90%. 

If you’re worried about getting too much caffeine on top of your daily dose at work or during your commute home from work then why not try decaf instead?

If you want to improve your health and get a boost of energy, drinking coffee every day could be the solution you need. Learn all about the incredible health benefits of coffee in our article, which highlights the ways coffee can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and prostate cancer.

Protects Against Depression In Women

Coffee is a great source of antioxidants and has been shown to reduce the risk of depression in women, who are at an increased risk for developing it. 

Antioxidants help fight free radicals that can cause damage to cells and lead to cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. 

Coffee contains a number of antioxidant compounds including chlorogenic acid (also found in green tea), uric acid (found in asparagus), quinides (found in dark chocolate), phenolic acids (found in blueberries), and caffeic acid (found in apples).

Lowers Risk Of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a liver disease that can be caused by alcohol abuse. It’s characterized by scarring, which makes the liver unable to function properly.

The good news is that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop cirrhosis than non-coffee drinkers. 

This may be due to its ability to reduce inflammation in the body, which could help clear toxins from your system as well as reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage in your body (both of these factors are linked with liver damage).

Are you curious about the science behind coffee’s health benefits? Check out our article on The Science Behind Coffee’s Health Benefits to learn more. From antioxidants to caffeine, this article dives into the compounds that make coffee so beneficial for our bodies.

Lowers Risk Of Alzheimer’s And Parkinson’s Disease

Coffee can also help prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other forms of dementia. Coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s in multiple studies. 

The caffeine present in coffee stimulates blood flow to the brain and improves memory retention. Coffee consumption may also protect against brain damage caused by strokes or concussions by preventing inflammation within the brain cells.

Coffee drinkers tend to have lower rates of mental disorders than non-coffee drinkers, especially depression and are less likely than nondrinkers to develop these disorders later on in life. 

A study conducted at Harvard University showed that women who drank two to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a 20 percent reduced chance for developing depression compared with those who didn’t drink any coffee at all!

EffectSources
Lowers Risk of Alzheimer’s DiseaseMultiple studies have found that caffeine consumption can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in women. (Eskelinen et al., 2009; Ritchie et al., 2007; Costanigro et al., 2020)
Lowers Risk of Parkinson’s DiseaseA review of over 20 studies found that caffeine intake was associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease. (Costa et al., 2010)
Improves Cognitive FunctionThe combination of caffeine and antioxidants in coffee may improve cognitive function, memory, and attention. (Gomez-Ramirez et al., 2007; Haskell et al., 2005)
May Reduce Risk of DepressionObservational studies have found a lower risk of depression in coffee drinkers, although the relationship is complex and may depend on individual factors. (Lucas et al., 2011)

Prevents Heart Arrhythmia

Coffee can help prevent heart arrhythmia and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

What is Heart Arrhythmia?

Heart arrythmia is a condition where your heart beats irregularly or too quickly. It can also lead to a lack of blood flow through the heart, which can cause chest pain or dizziness.

Increases Brain Function

Coffee can also improve brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain. A study published in the journal of Psychopharmacology found that healthy adults who consumed caffeine experienced improved reaction time, alertness and attention after drinking coffee compared to those who drank decaffeinated coffee or no caffeine at all.

Coffee drinkers also have better memories than those who don’t drink it. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers followed more than 1,300 older adults for up to 20 years and found that those who drank three cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a 65 percent lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease than people who didn’t drink any coffee at all over this time period.

Did you know that coffee has an abundance of health benefits beyond just a jolt of caffeine? In fact, The Top 15 Health Benefits of Coffee You Probably Didn’t Know About include everything from reducing the risk of liver disease to increasing physical performance. Check out our article to learn more.

Fights Cavities

Coffee’s rich in antioxidants, and you’ve probably heard that the antioxidants help to protect against cancer and heart disease. 

But did you know they can also protect against cavities? The benefits of coffee are especially apparent when it comes to preventing tooth decay.

When acid levels rise in the mouth, they erode tooth enamel and create an environment for microorganisms to thrive. Coffee contains a compound called chlorogenic acid that helps neutralize this acidic environment. In addition, studies show that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees have anti-cariogenic properties (meaning they help prevent cavities).

EffectSources
Fights CavitiesA study from Brazil found that the polyphenols in coffee can break down the bacterial biofilms that contribute to tooth decay. (Lollo et al., 2018)
Lowers Risk of Gum DiseaseAn analysis of 14 studies found that coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of periodontal disease. (Zeng et al., 2016)
May Stain TeethDark coffee and tea can cause surface stains on teeth, but regular brushing and dental cleanings can help prevent discoloration. (American Dental Association)
Could Cause Bad BreathIn some cases, the strong smell of coffee can contribute to halitosis (bad breath). (Colgate)

Improves Physical Performance And Stamina

Coffee can be an excellent energy booster, helping you stay awake and alert, improving your physical performance.

This is because it contains caffeine, which increases your metabolism and burns fat while keeping you energetic.

Coffee also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, which contribute to aging and cancer.

If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your health, coffee may be the answer. Our article on From Weight Loss to Improved Heart Health: The Many Benefits of Coffee explains how drinking coffee in moderation can lower the risk of heart disease, improve physical performance, and aid in weight loss.

Increases Life Expectancy

Drinking coffee can help you live longer. It’s a natural antioxidant, and studies show that drinking three to five cups of coffee per day can protect against heart disease, cancer, dementia and other serious illnesses.

In fact, one study found that people who drank two or three cups of coffee a day were less likely to die during the study period than those who didn’t drink any at all. Another study found that men who drank one cup had a lower risk of death from all causes compared with non-drinkers; women experienced no such benefit. 

That’s not to say that everyone loves the taste of coffee—but if you do enjoy it as much as we do here at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, it may be worth considering adding it into your daily routine!

Decreases Stress Levels

For those of us who live a particularly busy life, the stress of work can sometimes be overwhelming. 

If you are feeling stressed out or anxious about something in your life, coffee can help relieve some of that tension. Coffee is a stimulant and as such increases your heart rate, alertness, memory and energy levels. 

This is why many people drink coffee before exercising in order to increase their performance and endurance during workouts. Caffeine also helps to improve mood by releasing endorphins into the body which make people feel happier!

StudyResults
Hokkaido UniversityDrinking coffee decreased the stress response in rats.
Korean ScientistsDrinking coffee decreased the amount of stress hormones in the blood.
NestléParticipants who drank a coffee beverage reported feeling less stressed than those who drank a placebo.
University of MichiganCaffeine consumption was linked to lower levels of perceived stress and greater resilience.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to improve your health and well-being, then you may want to consider adding coffee into your daily routine. 

The potential benefits are numerous from lowering the risk of breast cancer, preventing cavities and tooth decay, and reducing stress levels. 

If you already drink coffee on a regular basis but would like more information on how it can help improve your overall health then this article will provide some valuable information for you.

Further Reading

The Health Benefits of Coffee, According to Science: This article summarizes the latest scientific research on the health benefits of coffee, including its effects on inflammation, mood, and liver health.

15 Health Benefits to Drinking Coffee Every Day: From reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s to supporting weight loss, this article covers 15 health benefits of coffee.

The Top Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coffee: This comprehensive article covers the scientific evidence behind the numerous health benefits of coffee, including its protective effects against certain types of cancer.

FAQs

Can coffee help you lose weight?

Some research suggests that coffee can aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite. However, it’s important to note that adding high-calorie ingredients like sugar and cream can negate these effects.

Can too much coffee be harmful?

While moderate coffee consumption has numerous health benefits, consuming too much caffeine can lead to negative side effects like anxiety and insomnia. It’s recommended that adults consume no more than 400mg of caffeine per day, or about 4 cups of coffee.

Does coffee increase the risk of heart disease?

For most people, moderate coffee consumption of up to 3-4 cups per day is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease. However, those with a history of heart problems or high blood pressure should speak with their doctor before consuming caffeine.

Can drinking coffee reduce the risk of cancer?

Some research has suggested that coffee may have protective effects against certain types of cancer, particularly liver and colorectal cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.

Does decaf coffee have the same health benefits as regular coffee?

While decaf coffee does contain some beneficial compounds like antioxidants, the caffeine content is much lower than regular coffee. Therefore, the health benefits associated with caffeine consumption may not be present in decaf coffee.