The Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee You Need to Know About

I’m not going to lie: I am a bit of a coffee snob. I grind my own beans and make sure that they’re fresh, and I use the best brewing method. But when it comes to health benefits, even this high-quality joe isn’t considered by many doctors to be much better than a cup of tea. 

However, research is showing that some of the chemicals in coffee may provide more nutrients than previously believed and these benefits could help explain why so many people have loved drinking it for centuries!

Top 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee – YouTube
Takeaways
Coffee has several surprising health benefits, including reducing the risk of several chronic diseases and improving cognitive function.
Moderate coffee consumption is considered safe and recommended for most people, with an ideal intake of 3-4 cups per day.
Coffee can also aid in weight loss efforts by boosting metabolism, increasing energy, and curbing appetite.
Decaf coffee can provide many of the same health benefits as regular coffee, making it a good alternative for those who are caffeine-sensitive.
By making ethical and environmentally conscious choices, coffee lovers can help shape a better future for the industry and protect the planet.

Coffee Can Help Protect Your Liver

Coffee can help protect your liver, which is a key organ for detoxification. In fact, there’s evidence that it could help prevent cirrhosis and liver cancer. 

However, these benefits may be dependent on the type of coffee you drink. A study published in Gut Microbes in 2016 showed that drinking four to five cups per day reduced levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in participants who drank instant coffee versus those who consumed fresh ground coffee.

“According to our guide on 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee Every Day, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up. Studies reveal that the beverage can also promote brain health, improve physical endurance, and reduce the risk of certain diseases.”

Coffee Can Help You Lose Weight

If you love coffee, there’s good news: drinking it can help you lose weight. It’s true! While most people think of coffee as a diuretic (a substance that makes you urinate more), research shows that drinking coffee actually boosts your metabolism and promotes fat burning.

In fact, studies have shown that people who drink three to five cups of coffee per day increase their metabolic rate by about 3-11% for up to six hours after consumption. That may not sound like much but over the course of a month or two, those extra calories burned could add up to some serious weight loss!

Also keep in mind that caffeine increases thermogenesis (heat production) in the body meaning it burns even more calories than just the ones from coffee itself! 

So if your goal is weight loss rather than energy or focus boosting, go ahead and indulge in some caffeine-heavy beverages like tea or soda…just be sure they’re calorie free so they don’t derail all your hard work!

Coffee and Weight Loss

AspectFindings
MetabolismCaffeine in coffee can boost metabolism, leading to greater calorie burn.
Appetite SuppressionDrinking coffee can help suppress appetite and reduce cravings.
Physical PerformanceCoffee can improve physical performance, which aids in weight loss through increased activity.
Brown Fat ActivationCoffee may activate brown fat, which burns calories to generate heat.
Weight ManagementCoffee consumption is associated with reduced BMI and better weight management, according to studies by the International Journal of Obesity and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

This simple table provides data-driven information on how coffee consumption can help with weight loss. The table’s rows describe different aspects of how coffee can help with weight loss, such as boosting metabolism or suppressing appetite.

The table uses precise, concise descriptions to deliver the information, while still providing necessary details on the studies and organizations conducting them.

The use of brand names, such as the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and International Journal of Obesity, gives readers an idea of the sources of the information. The recommended H3 for this table is “Coffee’s Potential Effects on Weight Loss.”

It Can Help Control Anxiety

Coffee is a source of caffeine, which is a stimulant. While most people know that coffee can help them stay alert and focused, it’s also useful to know that it can be used to help control anxiety. 

Anxiety is defined as an unpleasant state of inner turmoil or tension, often accompanied by nervous behavior or fear. Anxiety disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect 40 million Americans ages 18 and older each year.

Coffee may reduce the symptoms of anxiety because it contains stimulants like caffeine. Caffeine helps to block adenosine receptors in your brain, which reduces the feeling of tiredness or drowsiness.

This makes you feel more awake (and less worried about being tired). In addition to helping you stay alert in general, this effect can also help with work performance by helping you focus on tasks at hand rather than worrying about what might go wrong later on in the day.

“Do you know your coffee has more benefits than you think? Check out our article about The Latest Research on the Health Benefits of Coffee: What You Need to Know, where our experts reveal the most recent findings about coffee’s ability to enhance brain function, boost metabolism, and lower the risk of chronic conditions”

It May Reduce The Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease And Dementia

Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, including polyphenols, which can help neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are thought to be one of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. So by quenching free radicals in your brain, you may reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

If you’re concerned about caffeine, try decaf coffee! It has all the health benefits without the jitters—and it tastes just as good as regular coffee!

Coffee May Reduce The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

Caffeine is a natural appetite suppressant, which can help you cut back on calories. If you’re looking to lose weight, the American Diabetes Association recommends drinking two to three cups of coffee each day.

Luckily, coffee also has some other health benefits that are just as great:

Coffee may help prevent type 2 diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels and insulin resistance (the inability to properly use insulin). 

And if that wasn’t enough, it may also increase insulin sensitivity–the body’s ability to respond appropriately when presented with excess glucose in the blood stream.

Coffee May Reduce Your Risk Of Developing Certain Types Of Cancer

You may not think of your morning cup of coffee as a health food, but there’s some evidence that it might protect against certain cancers.

Liver cancer. Studies suggest that drinking up to three cups of coffee per day may reduce your risk of liver cancer by nearly half.

Breast cancer. A small study found that women who drank more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee each day had a 40% lower risk for developing breast cancer than women who didn’t drink any at all. Another study found that the same correlation was present in men too, though only when they drank more than 6 cups per day!

Pancreatic cancer: Researchers found evidence suggesting that consuming high levels (four or more cups) over eight years could lower your risk by 20%. A different study also showed an association with esophageal adenocarcinoma and increased consumption (of six or seven cups per day).

Prostate cancer: According to one meta-analysis, men who consumed two or three cups daily were at less risk for prostate cancer than non-coffee drinkers; another study published this year found similar results among African Americans living in South Carolina counties with high incidence rates that is, where people get diagnosed earlier due to screening programs offered through local health departments .

Coffee and Cancer Risk Reduction

Cancer TypeFindings
Liver CancerCoffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of liver cancer, according to studies by the World Cancer Research Fund and Harvard School of Public Health.
Colorectal CancerDrinking coffee may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer, as found by research conducted by the American Association for Cancer Research and Imperial College London.
Prostate CancerConsuming coffee is linked to a lower risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, according to a study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.
Endometrial CancerWomen who drink coffee may have a lower chance of developing endometrial cancer, as suggested by research by the Harvard School of Public Health.
Skin CancerRegular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, according to a study by the National Cancer Institute and Yale School of Public Health.

This simple table presents data-driven evidence of coffee’s potential impact on reducing the risk of certain cancer types. Each row highlights a type of cancer for which research indicates a reduced risk with coffee consumption. The table uses concise descriptions to deliver the information, while still providing necessary details on the studies and organizations behind them.

There are also some brand names, such as the World Cancer Research Fund, American Association for Cancer Research, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The recommended new H3 for the table is “Coffee’s Potential Cancer Risk Reduction Effects.”

It Could Help Reduce The Risk Of Depression.

You might be surprised to learn that coffee may actually help lower your risk of depression. There’s some evidence that suggests caffeine can increase serotonin levels in the brain a neurotransmitter that contributes to mood and happiness, which helps explain why drinking coffee can make you feel so much better when you’re dragging on a rough day. 

But there’s not just one form of caffeine: The jury’s still out on whether or not other types (like soda) have similar benefits.

“There is more to coffee than just caffeine, as our guide on The Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking Decaf Coffee reveals. From reducing the risk of chronic diseases to keeping you alert without disturbing your sleep, there’s no need to feel guilty about switching to decaf.”

Can Lower Your Chances Of Getting A Stroke

A stroke is a condition in which blood flow to the brain is obstructed, leading to damage or death of brain cells. Strokes are typically caused by bleeding within or around blood vessels, but they can also be caused by other factors such as clots formed from plaque buildup in arteries or heart disease. 

Strokes are very serious and often require immediate medical attention; when there’s damage to the part of your brain that controls speech and movement (your motor cortex), for example, it can be difficult for you to communicate with others and move around easily—this condition is known as paralysis on one side of your body.

Strokes are common: about 795,000 people have strokes each year in the United States alone!

Fortunately there are things we can do to reduce our risk for strokes: not smoking or quitting smoking if you smoke; managing high blood pressure (hypertension); eating healthfully; exercising regularly; controlling diabetes; maintaining normal cholesterol levels if you have them–these will all help lower your chances of having one someday!

As a coffee lover, it’s essential to understand the impact of your choices. Our article, Why Every Coffee Lover Should Care About Sustainability, explains the importance of sustainability, social impact, and ethical sourcing. Join us in taking responsibility for the impact we make on the environment and society

Coffee May Be Good For Your Heart

Coffee can be a great part of your morning routine and is likely the only thing that will get you out of bed before noon when the alarm goes off. But there is more to this drink than just its ability to keep us awake; it may also be good for our health!

We’ve all heard that coffee can increase blood pressure and lead to heart disease, but studies show that this could not be further from the truth for most people. A 2018 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that drinking at least one cup a day was associated with an 18% lower risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). 

Another study found that consuming four cups per day reduced the risk by 27%. Drinking three cups daily was linked to a 22% lower risk of stroke compared with non-coffee drinkers. 

And those who drank five cups or more had an even greater reduction in stroke risk 33% less than those who didn’t drink any coffee. One report concluded: “This meta-analysis demonstrates that there is no association between coffee consumption and [hypertension], CAD, diabetes mellitus, cancer or mortality.”

Coffee’s Impact on Heart Health

StudiesFindings
Framingham Heart StudyModerate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of heart failure.
American Heart AssociationHigher coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.
Harvard School of Public HealthDrinking 2-4 cups of coffee per day may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
European Society of CardiologyCoffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of mortality from heart disease.
Kaiser PermanenteDrinking coffee may improve arterial function and decrease the risk of heart disease.

This simple table provides data-driven information on coffee’s potential impact on heart health. Each row corresponds to a study that found a specific finding related to coffee and heart health. By using less words in the description, the table delivers the information in a concise manner, while still being easy to understand.

The data also includes some brand names, such as the Framingham Heart Study and Kaiser Permanente, to give readers an idea of the sources of the information. The new H3 for this table could be “Studies on Coffee’s Effect on Heart Health.”

May Help Prevent Parkinson’s Disease

It’s long been known that caffeine can help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. In fact, research has shown that people who drink more than five cups of coffee per day have a 60% lower risk of developing Parkinson’s.

In addition to this, it has also been found that drinking coffee may slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease by improving movement control and reducing tremors.

Are you making an effort to choose coffee that makes a difference? Learn more about sustainability by checking out our article on When to Choose Fair Trade Coffee for a Better World. By making ethical and environmentally conscious choices, coffee lovers can help shape a better future for the industry and protect the planet.

Drinking Coffee Might Slow Down Cognitive Decline In Old Age

When it comes to coffee, the old adage that “more is better” is true. Caffeine, in particular, has been linked to a number of cognitive benefits and may even slow down cognitive decline in old age.

  • Caffeine can improve your mood and energy levels.
  • It also increases alertness and reaction times, which means you’ll feel more focused throughout the day.

Conclusion

So, if you’re not a coffee drinker, or have been thinking about switching to decaf, it’s time to reconsider. Science is on your side: studies have shown that drinking three cups of coffee each day can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

And if you’re a longtime fan of the bean, these studies are good news because they show just how beneficial it can be for your health!

Further Reading

If you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of coffee, be sure to check out these resources:

GoHealth Urgent Care – This article discusses the potential benefits of coffee, including reducing the risk of liver cancer and improving cognitive function.

Healthline – Healthline explains the top evidence-based health benefits of coffee, such as reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and protecting the liver.

AARP – This article highlights the impact of coffee on health, including benefits on heart health, preventing type 2 diabetes, and beyond.

FAQs

What are the surprising health benefits of coffee?

Some surprising health benefits of coffee include a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver cancer. It can also improve cognitive function, boost metabolism, and enhance physical performance.

How much coffee should I drink per day?

Moderate coffee consumption is considered safe and recommended by most health experts. For most people, the ideal intake is about 3-4 cups of coffee per day, which can provide health benefits without causing adverse effects.

Is coffee harmful to my health?

Although excessive caffeine intake can cause side effects, moderate coffee consumption has no significant harmful effects on health. Moreover, coffee has several potential health benefits and is considered a safe beverage for most people.

Can coffee help me lose weight?

While coffee itself may not cause weight loss, it can help boost metabolism, increase energy, and curb appetite, which can aid in weight loss efforts. However, coffee should not be relied upon as a sole means of weight loss but can complement a healthy lifestyle.

Is decaf coffee as beneficial as regular coffee?

Decaf coffee has a lower amount of caffeine, but it still contains many of the same health benefits as regular coffee. Decaf coffee can improve brain function, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, and improve liver health, among other benefits. However, decaf coffee may not provide the same boost in physical performance as regular coffee due to the reduced caffeine content.