As much as we all love freshly brewed coffee in the morning – and multiple times during the day after that – most of us don’t know its benefits beyond the fact that it gives us a much needed kick of energy to stay on top of our never ending to-do lists.
Did you know that according to research, if you stick to 400 mg of caffeine per day and go easy on the added sugar, you can reap most of the benefits of caffeine?
If you’re a coffee addict, or thinking of switching over from tea, here are 9 possible health benefits you can get from your daily caffeine intake:
1. It contains essential nutrients
A single cup of coffee contains vitamins such as vitamin B2 (11% of the Reference Daily Intake – RDI), vitamin B5 (6% of the RDI) and vitamin B3 (2% of the RDI). These vitamins help the body maintain its energy levels, stimulate the growth of blood cells and improve brain functions. Moreover, coffee also contains Manganese and Potassium (3% of the RDI) which aids in bone growth and reduces inflammation along with water retention.
2. It boosts the body’s metabolism
Although there is no direct evidence that coffee leads to weight loss, caffeine has been declared as one of the natural elements that help fat body burn. Having coffee regularly boosts your metabolic rate which directly impacts your fat burning process. In addition to that, caffeine stimulates your nervous system, signalling fat cells to break down body fat.
3. It may lower the risk of type-2 diabetes
In a study carried out in 2014, researchers found that people who consume at least one cup of coffee per day over 4 years have an 11% lower risk of type-2 diabetes. The reason behind this also goes back to coffee’s ability to raise the metabolic rate. Higher habitual coffee consumption is also associated with higher insulin sensitivity.
4. It may even lower the risk of liver cancer
Coffee has been found to reduce the risk of liver cancer as well as other liver conditions such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. Research shows that people who consume 2-3 cups of coffee per day have a 50% lower risk of liver cancer and 66% reduced risk of dying from non-viral hepatitis-related cirrhosis.
5. It may protect against Parkinson Disease
People who consume 3-4 cups of caffeinated coffee are fivefold protected from Parkinson’s disease over the people who do not. Caffeinated drinks also help people with Parkinson’s disease in controlling movements.
6. It improves heart health
Contrary to common belief, studies show that consuming coffee in moderation improves the health of your heart. It also decreases the chances of heart failure by 11%. Additionally, studies support that coffee drinkers have a 20% lower risk of having a stroke.
7. It may reduce the risk of depression by one-third
Depression is becoming increasingly common around the world. 264 million of the global population suffers from clinical depression which may affect quality of life. Coffee has been identified as a beverage that may have a positive impact on mental health, with research showing that coffee drinkers are significantly less likely to be depressed than people who do not drink coffee . The review was conduced by Dr. Alan Leviton of Harvard University , who said, “Coffee’s positive impact on mental health appears to be related to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and microbiome-promoting properties, which are also associated with coffee drinkers’ reduced risk of developing certain cancers and chronic diseases.”
8. It contains antioxidants
Studies show that coffee contains far more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables combined which protect against cell damage. For people who depend totally on a western diet, coffee probably is the healthiest part of their routine as it comprises multiple antioxidants including beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, and vitamin C.
9. Last but not the least, it can boost physical performance
Coffee stimulates the release of adrenaline, a fight or flight hormone which helps body fat convert into fatty acids that act as fuel for the body whereas adrenaline prepares the body for exertion. Don’t forget to have a strong cup of coffee the next time you hit the gym to notice a difference!
The list of the health benefits you can reap from coffee is actually much longer and comprehensive than the ones shared above. But it’s always a good idea to educate yourself about what you’re consuming on a daily basis. Bottomline, the right amount of coffee is not only enjoyable but there is increasing evidence that it may actually be good for you! If you’d like to learn more about how coffee affects your body, click here. ‘9 Health Benefits of Coffee You Probably Didn’t Know’ is part of ProperGaanda’s collaboration with Nescafe Pakistan. To read more from ProperGaanda, click here.