Benefits of Drinking Coffee
One of the world’s most beloved beverages is coffee. So many out there cannot begin their day before they have had their cup of joe. It is best known for the boost in energy that happens as a result of drinking coffee, but there are also other potential health benefits linked to coffee.
Energy Boosting
Since coffee has caffeine in it, it stimulates the central nervous system, which helps fight against fatigue and gives the drinker a boost of energy. The reason for this is that caffeine blocks adenosine, which is a receptor of a neurotransmitter. Because adenosine is blocked, the other levels of other neurotransmitters are increased, which regulate the body’s energy levels. This is the main reason people head to a coffee shop to get their daily beverage with coffee cup lids on their way to work.
Supports Brain Health
Some studies show mixed results, but there have been studies done that show coffee may aid in protecting against specific neurodegenerative disorders. For example, one study showed those who drank coffee regularly had a significantly lower chance of developing disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In addition, several other studies showed those who drank coffee moderately could lower the risk of generating dementia or a general decline in cognitive functions.
Aids in Weight Management
Research has also been done to show that coffee could potentially alter a person’s fat storage and support their gut health. Both these are beneficial for weight management. For example, a study showed that drinking coffee could be associated with decreasing body fat. It also said that people who drank one or two cups a day had a higher chance of meeting the recommended daily physical activities, which will aid in weight management.
Protects Against Liver Conditions
Many studies have also shown that the risk of liver disease or cancer is significantly lower when coffee is consumed regularly. For example, a study done showed those who drank one cup a day had their risk of chronic liver disease lowered by around fifteen percent. It also found that consuming coffee was related to decreasing liver stiffness and developing scar tissue in the liver.
Helps Mental Health
Coffee can also help boost a person’s mental health. For example, drinking around four cups of coffee daily was shown to lower the risk of depression by around eight percent significantly. A study also showed that drinking coffee lowered the chance of someone dying by suicide.
May Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Drinking a cup of coffee regularly is also associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Each cup of coffee someone drinks can possibly lower their risk by around six percent. This is believed to be because of the ability coffee has to preserve the function of beta cells in the pancreas. These are responsible for producing insulin which regulates a person’s blood sugar levels. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants which can affect insulin sensitivity, metabolism, and inflammation, which are all part of the potential development of type 2 diabetes.
Maintains Heart Health
Research also shows that regularly drinking coffee can support heart health. It has been shown that drinking three to five cups of coffee a day could lower their risk of heart disease by fifteen percent. It was also shown that drinking three to four cups daily was tied to a twenty-one perfect lower risk of a stroke. Those with higher blood pressure should limit their coffee intake though, since caffeine has been shown to affect blood pressure levels.
Because of coffee’s popularity, extensive research has been done to find its numerous health benefits. However, it is not just consumed for a boost of energy. There are a variety of other health benefits to drinking coffee regularly.
