9 Mind-Blowing Health Benefits of Coffee
Is coffee bad for you? Or are there actually health benefits to your daily cup of coffee?
Coffee is good for you… Coffee is bad for you… I’m sure you’ve heard it all. Most likely you’ve even argued one side. So which side is true? Do they both have truths? Keep reading to unlock the mystery of each of the health benefits coffee boasts of!
Health Benefits
Maybe you’re like me, an avid coffee drinker who can’t really start a day unless you have at least one cup of coffee every morning. If anyone knows the struggle of trying to go to work with no caffeine in you, trust me it’s me.
I worked in the coffee industry for five years, and in those years I definitely had more than my share of coffee. There were many days where I couldn’t help but wonder, am I drinking too much? Is coffee actually good for me or am I just trying to justify my addiction? I wish I knew then what I do now!
Maybe you’re a coffee addict like myself and find yourself asking yourself the same questions I used to wonder. Or, maybe you’re one of those that argue “Coffee is bad for you, you’re ruining your health”... If you fall into either of these categories keep reading and get ready to be surprised!
It may sound too good to be true, but it is true… not only does coffee boast of health benefits, but several at that! Coffee does so much more for our bodies than just gives us that caffeine jolt in the morning or mid-day and deserves more credit than it gets.
Caffeine
Okay, while this may not actually sound like a health benefit at first, it actually is proven to be beneficial in certain ways. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that is known for its ability to fight fatigue and increase energy levels (yes please). Caffeine in certain quantities can also tighten your focus. One study reported that consuming caffeine before and during a round of golf improved performance increased subjective energy levels, and reduced feelings of fatigue.2
2. Brain Health (Mind-blowing)
I promised you that your mind would be blown if you kept reading. Well, right here is what blew my mind. Some research actually shows that drinking coffee may fight against and lower your chance of developing neurodegenerative disorders; such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Not only that, but coffee can actually improve cognitive functioning such as memory, reaction speed, and productivity.3 Phew… I’m ready to drink my third cup of coffee today after learning that!
3. Fights Type 2 Diabetes
Research has shown to suggest that consuming coffee regularly could be associated with a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Note that it can only lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, not cure it if you already are diagnosed. But still, another reason to add a cup to your daily diet.
4. Helps Liver Health (and May Prevent Cancer!)
The World Health Organisation confirmed after a study they conducted that regularly drinking moderate amounts of coffee may prevent liver cancer, lower the risk of other liver conditions, and slow the progression of liver disease.5 So, next time someone tells you that you drink too much coffee, just tell them you’re being liver conscious… how can they argue with that!
5. Improves Longevity
Wait- is coffee the Fountain of Youth?! Studies have shown that drinking one-four cups of coffee daily can lead to longevity and expand your life span due to all of its health benefits, providing a longer and better quality of life! I mean, the way coffee makes me feel and the happiness it brings me makes it a no-brainer for me it leads to a better quality of life… but now there’s actually research done to prove this is true. Call it a win-win!
6. Weight Management
Some of a girl’s two favorite words… so catch me at the beach this summer with my favorite iced coffee in hand! Research says that coffee could alter fat storage and support gut health, both of which may be beneficial for weight management.5 Caffeine also helps energy levels, which in turn helps activity and exercise motivation, as well as increases fat burning, and metabolic rates. However, drinking a sugary frappuccino from Starbucks won’t produce the same weight management effects as just a plain cup of black coffee.
7. Rich in Antioxidants
Perhaps one of the most commonly known health benefits of coffee is that it is packed with antioxidants. Growing up, this is the only health benefit I ever heard linked to coffee, but little did I know there are so many more!
8. Lower Risk of Depression
While everyone dealing with depression faces it in different ways and on different levels, coffee has been known to help with some depression. According to one review of seven studies, each cup of coffee people consumed per day was linked to an 8% lower risk of depression.6
9. Heart Health
Last but not least, some studies have shown that drinking coffee may benefit heart health! For all you coffee lovers out there, you can now enjoy your coffee even more, knowing that your coffee addiction is actually healthy! In fact, drinking multiple cups of coffee daily may reduce your risk of heart disease, and may even lower your risk of stroke. How can you not love that?
While I’m not claiming that coffee is the cure for all… coffee really does have much more nutrients and health benefits than we give this drink credit for! I always knew this drink was magical.
So go, hit up your local coffee shop, and feel proud of yourself! Don’t discredit or criticize yourself ever again for getting your favorite espresso drink. You deserve it.
39 Health Benefits of Coffee, Based on Science
4Coffee and Diabetes: Prevention, Effects on Glucose and Insulin, and More
6https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26339067/