You’ve probably heard that a cup of coffee in the morning can jump-start your day, but did you know of the numerous health benefits of coffee? Recent research has unveiled some surprising benefits of your daily java that extend beyond keeping you awake.
From enhancing brain function to improving physical performance, science has begun to shed light on how coffee can positively impact our health in ways we never imagined. So, before you pour your next cup, let’s dive into what science says are the surprising health benefits of coffee:
Brain Blasts
Coffee is a well-known cognitive enhancer. Moderate consumption can lead to improved mental alertness, higher concentration levels, and reduced risk of neurological diseases. For instance, studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a condition that causes parts of your brain to degrade, thus impacting the bodily functions or body parts that are tied to the degraded parts of the brain.
Polyphenols found in coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, act as antioxidants. These compounds can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially protecting your brain cells from damage over time. However, it’s crucial not to overdo it. Excessive coffee consumption can lead to restlessness and insomnia in some people, negating its neurological benefits. Sticking to a moderate intake of less than 6 cups per day, no matter how much you want to collect those Starbucks stars, is key to keeping your brain healthy without negatively affecting the rest of your body.
Seize the Day!
Coffee can significantly impact your mental state, such as increasing alertness and improving your mood, especially if you have a meeting that you’re dreading. Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter in your brain, leading to a stimulant effect. This results in enhanced attention, concentration, and reduced feelings of tiredness. Coffee has even been shown to reduce the risk of suffering from depression!
However, balance is crucial. While a moderate caffeine intake is associated with a lower risk of depression and suicide, sensitive individuals might experience increased anxiety and restlessness. It’s important to listen to your body and adjust your intake accordingly.
Peak Physical Form
In addition to waking us up so we can find it in ourselves to hit the gym, coffee is also a component in pre-workouts. Caffeine increases adrenaline levels in the blood, preparing your body for intense physical exertion. The adrenaline sends signals into your fatty tissues that it’s GO TIME for them to produce extra energy for the body. The breakdown of body fat into free fatty acids available as fuel significantly improves physical performance, with studies showing an increase of 11-12% on average. Whether you’re an athlete looking for an edge or simply need a boost for your daily workout, a cup of coffee can provide the necessary stimulation for enhanced performance.
Type 2 Dia(beat)es
If you love indulging in a cup or more of coffee every day, here’s some good news for you. Research indicates a strong link between coffee consumption and a significantly reduced risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. This common form of diabetes impacts millions worldwide, characterized by high blood sugar and insulin resistance. However, coffee might be a tasty ally in combating this disease.
A notable study published in Diabetologia tracked nearly 124,000 individuals over 16 to 20 years. The results were quite revealing: those who increased their coffee intake by more than a cup a day over a four-year period had an 11% lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Conversely, individuals who decreased their coffee consumption by the same amount experienced a 17% higher risk.
Furthermore, a comprehensive review of 30 studies found that each additional cup of coffee consumed per day was linked to a 6% lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Scientists attribute this protective effect to coffee’s antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to enhance calorie burning and positively affect gut microbiota diversity. As we’ve said above, even though this says that it’s good to drink more coffee, downing 17 caramel macchiatos in a day won’t do you any good.
Forget About Alzheimer’s
If you’re living with and/or taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s, you’ll be glad to know that coffee’s benefits extend to fighting this dreaded condition as well. Alzheimer’s Disease, a leading cause of dementia, affects millions of elderly individuals and their families worldwide. The search for preventive strategies has led researchers to consider dietary factors, including coffee consumption.
In one study, an intriguing association was found between coffee intake and Alzheimer’s Disease risk. Individuals who consumed 3-5 cups of coffee daily at midlife had a significantly decreased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease later in life compared with low coffee drinkers, after 21 years of follow-up.
While the results vary between multiple tests, they do show that the trend of taking in more coffee DOES have a positive effect on fighting Alzheimer’s. This protective effect is thought to be related to caffeine’s ability to enhance brain energy metabolism and decrease abnormal protein buildup in the brain, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease.
We’re Glad You’re Still Here
Coffee’s role in mental health goes beyond the temporary mood boost. Research indicates a noteworthy relationship between coffee consumption and suicide risk. This isn’t a light claim; the data backing this up is both compelling and reassuring.
Harvard School of Public Health did a study focused on three large cohorts in the US and found an astonishing correlation between coffee intake and suicide risk. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who consumed 2-3 cups daily had a 45% lower risk of committing suicide, and the reduction went up to 53% for those who drank four or more cups daily.
While this is very great news for mental health advocates and those suffering from mental health disorders with suicide risks, we’d like to emphasize the importance of getting proper medical help. Coffee is not the cure. It helps, but it won’t help you without the help of professional therapy and proper medication. If you feel like you or a loved one is at risk of self-harm, get in touch with the United States Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Winding Down
In essence, while coffee enjoys its status as a beloved beverage across the globe, its potential health benefits are a subject of increasing interest within the scientific community. From warding off chronic diseases to enhancing your mental well-being, your daily cup of coffee is doing more for you than just waking you up so you can power through the day.
Keep in mind though, that this is also based on proper intake. Like any other thing that humans can take in, too much coffee can also be bad for you.
If you want to live a healthier life and start your days with a great boost, check out our beans here at Equipoise Coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Health Benefits of Coffee
Before we wrap this article up, here are a few fast questions and answers for some quick caffeine facts:
Is coffee good or bad for the brain?
Coffee, especially when caffeinated, has several positive effects on the brain including increased alertness, improved mood, enhanced concentration, and reduced risk of depression. However, it may cause sleep disturbances in sensitive individuals and increase anxiety in a small subset of people.
What is the best time to drink coffee?
There is no scientifically proven “best time” to drink coffee. However, enjoying a cup between 9:30 am and 11 am can be ideal as it aligns with a natural dip in cortisol levels, potentially maximizing the effects of caffeine.
Is coffee good for the liver?
Yes, coffee is beneficial for the liver. Studies indicate that higher coffee consumption is linked to lower risks of chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and fatty liver disease. Coffee may also positively affect kidney health and lower the risk of developing kidney stones.
Is black coffee the healthiest?
Black coffee is regarded as one of the healthiest ways to consume coffee. It is calorie-light and typically free from added sugars and creams, making it a purer way to enjoy the benefits of coffee.
What does science say about drinking coffee?
Scientific research supports the moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee, linking it to a lower risk of various chronic diseases. Consuming 3 to 5 standard cups daily is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases and some cancers, without increasing health risks.
