Is Coffee Good For You?

Some people will like to tell you that drinking coffee, especially drinking too much coffee, is bad for your health. Throughout the last few years there have been various pieces of research to support this claim. However, there is also plentiful evidence to suggest that regularly drinking coffee is good for you and with this article I am going to explain why!

 

There are several studies that suggest that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing certain diseases, and this evidence is difficult to ignore! In addition to this, the nutrient count of coffee and the effect it can have on you throughout the day, can also be beneficial.

Antioxidants and Nutrients

First of all, let’s take a moment to consider the antioxidant count of coffee. Just one regular sized cup of coffee contains 11% of your recommended daily amount of riboflavin,  3% of your recommended daily amount of manganese and potassium, and also 2% of your recommended daily amount of magnesium and niacin.

 

These may seem like small amounts, but if you are a coffee drinker then the chances are that you have more than one cup a day, so these numbers can soon add up to a beneficial amount!

Energy Levels and Cognitive Function

Unless you are drinking decaf then your coffee will contain a dose of caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant and will temporarily spike your energy levels. Once you have enjoyed your cup of coffee, the caffeine will be absorbed into your bloodstream and then travel to the brain.

 

Once it reaches your brain, caffeine blocks adenosine, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. When this takes place, the presence of other neurotransmitters increases, which helps you to feel less tired and more wired! This can have a knock-on effect on vigilance, mood, memory and cognitive function in general.

Weight Loss and Fat Burning

Caffeine is present in practically every fat burning product that is commercially sold.

 

 

This is for the very simple fact that caffeine is known to be naturally fat burning. Some studies have even shown that consuming coffee can improve your metabolism by as much as 11%.

A Lowered Risk of Diabetes

Approximately 300 million people around the globe are currently afflicted by type 2 diabetes. This condition causes heightened amounts of blood sugar which then interferes with insulin production and secretion.

 

Studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, although the reason is not comprehensively understood.

A Lowered Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease of our time and can often strike after the age of 65. There are also many recorded cases of younger people suffering with this condition. A healthy diet and regular exercise are suggested as a way to keep this condition at bay, but certain studies have also shown drinking coffee to be effective. Some studies have even shown a 65% decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease amongst coffee drinkers.

 

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is caused when dopamine-generating neurons in the brain start to die off. Again, research shows a lower incidence of this disease among those who drink coffee. There is currently no cure for Alzheimers disease or Parkinson’s, making prevention all the more important.

Helps to Combat Depression

Depression is a common mental health problem that can range in severity. Approximately 4.1% of Americans are currently struggling with a clinical depression, with many more experiencing it to a lesser degree. Although depression can be treated or relatively managed in some instances through prescription medications, it is not so simple for everyone.

 

A study conducted in 2011 showed that women who consumed four or more cups of coffee every day were 20% less likely to experience depression than those who drank it less. A separate study of over 200,000 participants found that those who consumed four or more cups of coffee every day were 53% less likely to commit suicide.

Protection Against Certain Cancers

Cancer is a leading global cause of death and although many treatment options are available, there is still no definitive cure. Studies have shown coffee to be most effective in preventing colorectal cancer and liver cancer. These two types of cancer are especially common with survival rates not being particularly encouraging. Studies have shown that those who drink coffee are up to 40% less likely to develop liver cancer and up to 15% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

When we consider all of the amazing benefits of regularly drinking coffee, it seems incredibly sensible to start doing so! A hot cup of coffee is a great way to start the morning, and can help to keep you energised and alert throughout your working day. If you are concerned about adding extra calories to your diet then you will be happy to know that you can have a completely zero calorie drink by taking your coffee black with no sugar!

 

References

 

1) https://authoritynutrition.com/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee/

2) http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/health+advice/is+coffee+good+for+mer,13377