I’m a big fan of coffee. And I’m not talking about the instant stuff you find at the grocery store (although, to be fair, that stuff can be surprisingly good). I’m talking about really good coffee the kind that takes time and care to make properly.
But even though I’ve been drinking great coffee for years, it wasn’t until recently that I started learning about all the health benefits of brewing it right and drinking it daily.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Drinking coffee in moderation can have a wide range of health benefits, from increasing energy levels to reducing the risk of liver disease. |
| – Regular coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. |
| – Caffeine can help improve cognitive function, boost mood, and enhance athletic performance. |
| – Choosing organic coffee and supporting eco-friendly coffee production practices can help minimize the negative environmental impact of coffee cultivation. |
| – However, excessive coffee consumption or adding too much cream and sugar to your coffee can negate some of the health benefits and lead to negative side effects like insomnia, anxiety, and heartburn. |
1. It Can Help You Stay Alert
Caffeine is a stimulant that can help you stay alert and focused. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a chemical in your brain that makes you feel tired. By blocking this chemical, caffeine allows the brain to produce more dopamine, which increases energy levels and improves mood.
Coffee contains about 100 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per 8-ounce cup–the same amount as an energy drink or soda pop!
So if you’re trying to kick the habit, it might be best not to start with coffee because there are so many other options out there that are less caffeinated than coffee but still contain some amount of caffeine (like tea).
But if you want the benefits without all those extra calories from sugar or artificial sweeteners in other drinks then go ahead and enjoy your morning cup(s) – just don’t make it a habit!
Drinking coffee every day can bring many health benefits, including boosting brain function and reducing the risk of liver cancer. Find out more about the surprising health benefits of drinking coffee every day in our article on 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee Every Day.
2. It’s Rich in Antioxidants
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, which means that it helps to keep your body healthy by fighting free radicals.
Free radicals are produced by the body and can damage cells. They’re also found in cigarette smoke and other sources outside the body, like air pollution or UV rays from the sun. Antioxidants fight these free radicals by attaching themselves to them so they can’t do any damage.
Antioxidants may also help prevent cancer and heart disease by keeping your DNA healthy (DNA contains instructions for making proteins).
| Type of Antioxidant | Function | Presence in Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeic acid | Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, may help fight cancer | Present in high amounts in coffee, particularly in roasted coffee. |
| Chlorogenic acid | Supports healthy blood sugar levels, may help protect against chronic disease | Present in high amounts in coffee, particularly in green coffee beans. |
| Trigonelline | May help lower blood sugar and support brain health | Present in coffee, particularly in Robusta beans. |
| Melanoidins | May possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties | Formed during coffee roasting and contribute to the color and flavor of coffee. |
| Flavonoids | Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, may help fight cancer | Present in coffee, particularly in Arabica beans and lighter roasts. |
Coffee is known for being a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. The table above provides an overview of some of the key antioxidants found in coffee and their potential health benefits.
By drinking coffee, individuals can support their overall health and well-being by consuming a variety of beneficial antioxidants.
3. It Can Boost Your Metabolism
Caffeine can help you burn more calories, which can boost your metabolism. In one study, people who took caffeine supplements burned an extra 75 calories per day–that’s about 20% more than those who didn’t take a supplement!
It’s not just the caffeine in coffee that’s responsible for this effect; it’s also found in tea and chocolate (which you should definitely have some of).
Looking for a simple way to improve your health? Consider drinking coffee every day! Our article on The Incredible Health Benefits of Coffee: Why You Should Drink It Every Day shares the latest research and explains why coffee could be the secret to optimal health.
4. Coffee Is a Natural Pain Reliever
Coffee is a natural pain reliever. This can be especially helpful if you’re trying to get through a workout or long day at work, but it also helps with other types of physical activity as well.
Coffee can help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, making it ideal for those who want to stay active throughout their day.
5. Coffee Helps Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Coffee is a source of antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Coffee can also improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity by increasing the levels of adiponectin in your body. This hormone helps control blood sugar levels by increasing your body’s ability to use insulin more efficiently.
In addition to those benefits, coffee has been shown to help prevent obesity by reducing appetite and boosting metabolism (1).
6. Coffee May Cut the Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Coffee may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease that affects movement and motor skills. It can also cause depression, anxiety, memory loss and more.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s isn’t known, but it appears to be related to oxidative stress (the body’s inability to control free radical damage) and inflammation in the brain.
Coffee may help reduce these factors by increasing dopamine levels in your brain; dopamine is an important chemical that helps control movement and other functions within the nervous system.
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest health trends? Check out our article on The Latest Research on the Health Benefits of Coffee: What You Need to Know to learn more about the positive effects of coffee on everything from heart health to mental wellness.
7. Coffee Can Help You Live Longer
Coffee is a great source of antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer and heart disease. Studies have shown that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes.
A 2016 study published in the journal Circulation found that people who drank at least two cups of coffee per day had a lower risk of death from all causes than those who didn’t drink any coffee at all.
The health benefits from drinking coffee aren’t limited to just one drink per day either–the more cups you consume each day, including decaffeinated varieties (which still contain some caffeine), the better your chances are for living longer!
8. Coffee May Be Good for Your Bones
Coffee is a diuretic, which means that it helps to flush out the kidneys. This can be good for your bones because it prevents calcium from being reabsorbed by the body. Coffee also contains magnesium, an important mineral for bone health.
Coffee’s beneficial effects on bone health are not limited to preventing osteoporosis or reducing fracture risk; studies have found that coffee drinkers have lower rates of hip fractures than non-drinkers do as well.
| Study | Findings |
|---|---|
| Study by Kanis et al. (2005) | Higher coffee consumption was associated with a higher bone density and lower risk of hip fractures in postmenopausal women. |
| Study by Hallström et al. (2013) | Drinking more than 3 cups of coffee per day was associated with a higher bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and hip among older men. |
| Study by Choi et al. (2016) | Coffee intake was positively associated with bone mineral density in menopausal women, and the association appeared to be strongest in those who drank fewer than 200 mg of caffeine per day. |
| Study by Han et al. (2018) | Regular coffee consumption was associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis and fractures in Korean women with low calcium intake. |
Based on the research presented above, there is some evidence to suggest that drinking coffee may be good for bone health. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this association, these findings are promising for coffee lovers concerned about bone health.
9. The Caffeine in Coffee May Reduce the Risk of Depression
Caffeine is a stimulant, and it can increase dopamine levels in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. It also plays an important role in mood, attention and motivation. A deficiency of this neurotransmitter has been linked to depression.
Coffee contains several compounds known as phytochemicals (phyto means plant). These chemicals have antioxidant properties that may help prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals–the harmful molecules produced when our bodies use oxygen to burn fuel for energy–and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
When it comes to coffee, paying a little extra for sustainable and ethical practices can go a long way. Discover the hidden costs of cheap coffee in our article on The True Cost of Cheap Coffee: Is It Worth It? and learn why supporting responsible coffee production is so important.
10. Drinking Coffee Makes It Easier to Burn Fat and Lipids During Exercise
Coffee is a great pre-workout energy drink. It can help you burn fat and lipids during exercise, which means that you’ll be able to get the most out of your workouts. The caffeine in coffee increases your body’s ability to use fat for fuel, which means that it helps you stay energized throughout the day.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Ten health benefits of coffee. If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your energy and stay alert throughout the day, drinking coffee may be just what you need.
And while there is no shortage of studies showing that coffee can help prevent type 2 diabetes (and even Parkinson’s disease), we think these other nine benefits just might surprise even the most diehard coffee lover.
Want to make a positive impact with your morning cup of joe? Choose organic coffee! Learn more about the benefits of ethical and eco-friendly coffee consumption in our article on Why Switching to Organic Coffee Can Make a Difference and discover more ways to make your coffee habit more sustainable.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about the health benefits of drinking coffee:
Top 10 Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee by Genuine Origin: This article lists the top health benefits of coffee, such as decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and boosting cognitive function.
13 Proven Health Benefits of Coffee by Healthline: This article provides a science-backed overview of the positive effects of coffee on various aspects of health, from liver function to exercise performance.
The Top 10 Health Benefits of Coffee You Need to Know by Single Care: This article outlines the many different ways in which coffee can support overall health and well-being, including reducing the risk of heart disease and improving mental clarity.
FAQs
What are some of the health benefits of drinking coffee?
Drinking coffee has been linked to a number of health benefits, including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and Alzheimer’s. Coffee has also been shown to boost cognitive function, improve athletic performance, and decrease the risk of depression.
How much coffee should I drink per day?
The amount of coffee that’s considered safe and beneficial for your health can vary depending on factors like age and overall health. However, in general, most studies suggest that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day (equivalent to about 4 cups of brewed coffee) is safe for most adults.
Are there any negative health effects of drinking coffee?
While coffee is generally considered safe for most people, it can cause negative side effects like jitters, insomnia, and heartburn in some individuals. Additionally, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to anxiety, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
Should I choose decaf or regular coffee?
Decaf coffee can be a good choice for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or who have trouble sleeping. However, regular coffee may offer more health benefits due to its caffeine content, which has been linked to enhanced athletic performance and improved cognitive function.
Can I add cream and sugar to my coffee and still get health benefits?
While adding cream and sugar to your coffee can make it taste better, it can also add unnecessary calories and fat to your diet. To maximize the health benefits of coffee, it’s best to drink it black or with a small amount of milk or cream.
Hi, I’m Hellen James, founder of Unified Coffees. I created the platform to fill the gap in coffee blogging by providing tips on brewing coffee, rather than just focusing on beans and grinders.