In recent years, scientists have studied the various effects of coffee on health, and the findings may surprise many.
Benefits of Drinking Coffee
- Coffee Makes You Smarter
- Coffee Helps You Lose Weight
- Coffee Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- Coffee Helps Reduce the Risk of Memory Decline
- Coffee is Good for Your Liver
- Reduces the Risk of Depression
- Promotes Weight Management
- Increases Energy
- May Enhance Athletic Performance
- Coffee is Nutrient-Rich
- Final Thoughts
Here are some reasons why coffee is considered one of the healthiest beverages on our planet.
Coffee Makes You Smarter
Coffee helps you stay alert and become smarter.
Coffee not only keeps you awake but also literally makes you smarter. The caffeine in coffee works by blocking the effects of a neurotransmitter called Adenosine. In doing so, caffeine enhances neuronal activity and releases other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Many experiments have shown that caffeine improves mood, memory, and overall cognitive function.
Coffee Helps You Lose Weight
This is a great reason to turn to coffee as a way to burn excess fat because coffee is no more expensive than any weight loss pills available on the market. According to scientists, caffeine increases metabolic rate and helps mobilize fatty acids from adipose tissue. It can also enhance the efficacy of moderate physical activities by up to 11-12%.
Coffee Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Drinking an extra cup of coffee each day lowers your risk of diabetes by 7%.
Type 2 diabetes is becoming a “pandemic” worldwide, with the number of patients reaching 300 million, a tenfold increase in just a few decades. This condition arises when the body cannot effectively use insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Consequently, individuals with diabetes often have higher blood sugar levels than normal.
Scientific studies have shown that coffee helps reduce the risk of developing diabetes. A review of 18 studies, involving a total of 457,922 participants, emphasized that those who drink more coffee have a lower risk of the disease, and each additional cup consumed daily reduces the risk by 7%.
Coffee Helps Reduce the Risk of Memory Decline
Coffee not only makes you smarter in the short term but also protects your brain as you age. Currently, Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common ailments globally and is a leading cause of dementia. Scientific studies indicate that coffee drinkers can reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s and memory loss by up to 60%. This effect, according to researchers, is particularly pronounced in women. Coffee is also confirmed to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 32-60%.
Coffee is Good for Your Liver
Coffee is not just the bitter black drink you think it is.
Numerous studies have shown that coffee may reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis by up to 80%, with the strongest effects observed in those who consume more than four cups of coffee each day. Additionally, coffee can lower the risk of liver cancer by about 40%.
Reduces the Risk of Depression
A review of seven studies found that each cup of coffee consumed daily is associated with an 8% lower risk of depression. Another study involving 200,000 participants indicated that coffee consumption is related to a reduced risk of death by suicide.
Promotes Weight Management
Coffee can alter fat storage processes and support gut health, both of which benefit weight management. A review of 12 studies concluded that higher coffee consumption may be linked to reduced body fat, particularly in men.
Increases Energy
Coffee contains caffeine—a stimulant for the central nervous system that helps combat fatigue and increases energy levels. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, which increases the levels of other neurotransmitters in the brain to regulate energy, including dopamine. Dopamine provides pleasure and a sense of immediate excitement.
A small study reported that consuming caffeine before playing golf improved performance, increased energy levels, and reduced fatigue.
May Enhance Athletic Performance
Coffee is often used by athletes as a supplement to improve performance and increase energy levels. A review of nine studies reported that consuming coffee before exercise helps improve human endurance and reduces perceived exertion compared to a control group.
Another study involving 126 older adults showed that coffee consumption is associated with improved physical activity and faster walking speeds.
Coffee contains many essential nutrients for the body.
Coffee is Nutrient-Rich
Coffee is not just a bitter black drink as many might think. Scientific studies confirm that coffee contains numerous essential nutrients for the body. A cup of coffee includes:
- 6% Vitamin B5
- 11% Vitamin B2
- 2% Niacin (B3) and Thiamine (B1)
- 3% Potassium and Manganese
Final Thoughts
While moderate amounts of coffee are beneficial for health, this does not mean that drinking more is better. Excessive coffee consumption can be harmful to your health.
Additionally, medical experts suggest that to ensure the best effects of coffee, you should avoid adding sugar or any other additives to your cup of coffee.
If coffee makes it difficult for you to sleep, avoid drinking it after 2 PM. You should also refrain from drinking coffee in the evening as it may cause insomnia throughout the night.
Ultimately, no matter what, a pure black coffee remains the most nutritious drink on the planet.