A large number of people start their day with a steaming cup (or two) of coffee. By “large number” I mean coffee is currently the world’s most popular beverage. Without a doubt coffee perks you up and can be a very comfortable way to begin every new day. However, is coffee drinking actually good for you?
Well, good news for all you coffee drinkers out there – coffee can be quite good for you! Coffee actually boasts quite a few other benefits beside the caffeine content that can help wake you up. It is full of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can help prevent or lower your risk of certain serious health conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
So, what are the top ways that coffee can positively impact your health?
Coffee contains essential nutrients that are good for your body
Coffee beans contain quite a few essential antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins that make their way into the finished brewed coffee that you drink. Nutrients such as niacin, magnesium, manganese, pantothenic acid, potassium, riboflavin, and more.
It is an energy booster and brain activator
Caffeine is a darn good stimulant and the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the entire world. Even a single cup of coffee can help you feel less tired, more awake, more alert, and give your overall energy levels a boost since the caffeine is absorbed directly into your bloodstream where it then travels right up to your brain. Studies have shown that in humans caffeine consumption can lead to improvements to a variety of brain functions including your memory, mood, energy levels, reaction times, and more.
It can also improve your physical performance
In moderation caffeine consumption can increase your adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from your tissue which can lead to both minor fat loss due to a boost to your metabolic rate and significant improvements in physical performance.
Coffee can lower your risk of a variety of serious health conditions
Due to the high levels of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins (mentioned at the start of this article) that are found in coffee, regular consumption of the beverage can help lower your risk, or help you control, a wide variety of very serious health conditions such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Cirrhosis (liver damage)
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Heart failure
- Other neurodegenerative diseases
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
It can make you feel better and live longer
Since coffee can help prevent serious health conditions it makes a lot of sense that regular coffee consumption can help you live longer. Don’t get us wrong, it isn’t going to make you immortal or live an inordinately long life, it can simply help reduce your risk of premature death.
Can coffee consumption be dangerous?
As with all things in life, moderation is key! Drinking an excessive amount of caffeine can not only make you feel jittery it can also cause anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate, heartburn, and increased blood pressure. Not good. Try to limit the number of cups you consume each day – or at least the amount of caffeine. You know your body better than anyone and tolerance to caffeine is different for each person. Listen to your body and always consult a medical professional if you have questions or concerns about caffeine consumption.
Also, what you add to your coffee can make even the healthiest drinks unhealthy. Try to avoid adding a lot of cream and sugar – both of which should be consumed in moderation anyhow. If you can, drinking your coffee black is the healthiest possible way to consume this delicious beverage.
As you can see from all of the benefits listed, coffee does offer some health advantages that can have a lasting impact on your body’s health. Cheers!
Are you a coffee drinker? How do you prefer your ‘cuppa Joe?
Let us know in the comments below!
