Whether you need a quick morning fix to kick off your day, refuel your energy after a high-intensity spin class or relax after a long way of work, coffee suits different needs at different times for different people. While too much caffeine may have harmful effects on your health, moderate consumption will actually help improve your weight, mood, energy, and cognition.
9 Reasons Why Coffee Is Good for You
Why Coffee Is Good for You
Moderate consumption of coffee is not just safe but also beneficial for your overall well-being. Below we discuss some of the reasons why coffee is good for you.
1. Rich Source of Antioxidants & Essential Nutrients
If you minus the added creamers and sugar, coffee is one of the healthiest beverages you can have. That’s because it contains more antioxidants than cocoa and green tea, both of which are known for their antioxidant properties. Scientists have identified around one thousand antioxidants in coffee beans that are not processed; hundreds more developed during the process of roasting. The human body needs antioxidants to fight inflammation which is a major cause of many chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, and various types of cancer. Chlorogenic acid is one antioxidant that is exclusively found in coffee; it is said to help in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
2. Improves Cognitive Function
A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University indicates that caffeine can help enhance long-term memory. The participants of the research study who were given caffeine tablets (200mg) were much better at distinguishing images that they were asked to memorize a day before than those who did not take the tablets.
3. Helps You Live Longer
According to studies, coffee drinkers are less likely to die from leading causes of death such as kidney disease, diabetes, stroke and coronary heart disease. Although many other factors play a role in this, overall, having coffee is linked to lower risks of liver and colon cancer as well as respiratory diseases. Other than that, many people attribute happiness to coffee. How? From trying out new spots to finding a nice cafe to sit in to simply unwind after a hectic day, coffee is connected to things that bring you joy as well as relaxation. Happiness has a majorly positive impact on your health and that translates into a longer life.
4. Curbs Depression
One of the most prevalent mental health problems that people face around the world is depression. Coffee has more than 1000 bioactive compounds; one of these is caffeine. Due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, coffee can have a significantly positive impact on your mental health.
5. Enhances Exercise Performance
Many people believe that coffee causes dehydration. This is among the primary reasons fitness experts discourage having coffee pre and post-workout. However, recent studies indicate that moderate consumption of caffeine does not dehydrate the exercisers enough to get in the way of their workout. On the contrary, coffee can help you fight fatigue and thereby enable you to exercise better and longer. The reason is that caffeine is a strong endurance and performance booster. It strengthens your muscle contraction and significantly decreases your perception of pain.
6. Burns Fat & Promotes Weight Management
Research suggests coffee supports gut health and alters fat storage both of which promote weight management. The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition carried out a study whose findings show that caffeine increases the MFO (maximal fat oxidation rate) and aerobic capacity which translates into increased fat burn. This led to the conclusion that having strong coffee about half an hour before aerobic activities like cycling or running increases fat oxidation.
7. Lowers Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a very common neurodegenerative disorder. Science has yet not found a cure for this disease. However, data suggests that coffee intake is not only linked to a lower chance of developing the condition but also helps the patients to have better control over their movements.
Coffee Lowers Risk of Parkinson's Disease
8. Good for Liver
Many would be surprised to know that drinking coffee can considerably lower your risk of developing cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is advanced-level scarring of the liver. It can be caused by different forms of liver conditions and diseases including alcoholism and hepatitis. Scientists have discovered that elevated blood levels of liver enzymes reflect damage and inflammation to the organ. Having more coffee lowers the level of these enzymes.
9. Boosts Energy Levels
Many people grab a mug of coffee when they need to stay up late to study or wake up extra early for an important meeting. The reason for this is that coffee gives you that extra energy boost you need to keep yourself focused and alert for the task at hand. Caffeine gives you that kick by stimulating your nervous system and accelerating the exchange of messages between your body and brain. It is important to mention here that to maximize the health benefits of caffeine/coffee, you should avoid the addition of syrups, cream, and sugar in your coffee.
Coffee Boosts Energy Levels
Final Word
Coffee can create an environment in your mouth that is conducive to bacteria growth which in turn leads to tooth and enamel erosion. This can make your teeth thin and brittle. Therefore, you should avoid having two cups of coffee continually. Always take a break if you intend to have more than one cup. Other than that, taking care of oral hygiene can considerably reduce the impact that coffee has on your teeth. It’s recommended to rinse your mouth after drinking and also use a whitening toothpaste if you’re an avid coffee drinker.