Angelica Montero The bittersweet aroma of a freshly brewed coffee is enough to awaken your senses in the morning. So much more when you have your first sip. Coffee is one of the most popular and commonly consumed drinks across the globe. However, it has gained a bad reputation for its association to certain illnesses. Despite that, there are many coffee lovers who wouldn’t give up their love for coffee. The question is whether coffee actually provides benefits to one’s health. The answer is a big YES! Read more to find out.
Coffee is rich in antioxidants and various nutrients, hence, it is healthy. Coffee lovers tend to have lower risk of certain diseases, thanks to its natural compounds. Here are the top reasons why you should drink coffee.
It Can Aid Weight Loss
Substances found in coffee can boost your metabolic rate by 3-11%. A study found that moderate consumption of coffee may generate thermogenesis. This is when the body generates more heat, thereby burning fats and boosting metabolism. Moreover, it can increase the rate of burning fats by 10% in obese people and 29% in lean individuals. Additionally, coffee increases the levels of epinephrine. This hormone, commonly known as adrenaline, sends signal to your fat tissues to break down fats. In fact, there are many coffee products that claim to aid faster weight loss. However, it is better to consume brewed coffee than instant coffee as they may contain high sugar and other additives.
It Gives You Energy
It’s no wonder coffee is a favorite in offices and workplaces. Drinking coffee increases your energy levels to get you moving through the day. The most common compound found in coffee is caffeine. This is a natural stimulant found not only in coffee but also in tea and cacao plants. It stimulates your brain cells to help you stay alert. This works by blocking the effects brought by adenosine. This is an organic compound that relaxes your brain and makes you feel tired and sleepy. Although we have to listen to our body when it calls for rest, the demands of our day-to-day life urges us to stay awake. After all, we don’t want to microsleep or even doze off during that important meeting. Thus, it is best to have a cup of coffee on these days. Plus, it also improves your mood!
It Is Good For Your Brain And Mood
Another reason why coffee is popular among working adults is its ability to improve their alertness at work. As previously mentioned, caffeine that is found in coffee blocks the effects of adenosine. As a result, it increases other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves your brain function and mood. Norepinephrine helps improve energy and attentiveness. Dopamine is a “feel good” hormone that is also responsible for memory, focus, mood and stress response. A review stated that ingestion of 37.5-450 mg of caffeine in individuals improved short-term recall, alertness and reaction time. Another study also showed a significant relation between caffeine and lower risk of suicide. Consumption of coffee may also reduce depression among individuals. Mental illness such as depression must not be underestimated. There are plenty of ways to reduce depression. A cup of coffee or more a day is definitely one of it. A Harvard study reported a lower risk of depression among women who drank 4 or more cups of coffee a day. Hence, if you know someone suffering from depression or prone to suicide, why not invite him or her for for a cup of coffee or two. You might just save a life!
It Lowers the Risk of Certain Diseases
Another benefit of drinking coffee is its ability to lower your risk of certain diseases. Such diseases include Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson’s. Caffeine and caffeine acid block the accumulation of toxic proteins that are connected to the higher risk of type 2 diabetes. A study also found that caffeine serves as a protective factor against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Drinking coffee improves cognitive function and is associated with a decreased risk or dementia and AD. Parkinson’s Disease, as well as AD, has no known cure yet. Thus, prevention is crucial. Coffee is beneficial in lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease of up to 60%. Additionally, coffee may also be a protective factor against liver and colorectal cancer. One common misconception about coffee is its association to heart disease. There is no evidence supporting such. On the contrary, a study found a lower risk of coronary heart diseases among women who habitually drink moderate coffee. Thus, drinking coffee may actually help you live longer as you are less likely to get diseases.
While there are many benefits that one can get from drinking coffee, it is important to choose the right kind of coffee and to drink moderately. Avoid coffee high in sugar and additives. It is recommended to drink up to 2 cups of coffee a day only.
