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Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Coffee contains several nutrients, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), magnesium, potassium, and various phenolic compounds or antioxidants. Some experts suggest that these ingredients can benefit the body in different ways. Studies show that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing diseases such as liver cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure.
Here is a list of some good reasons to drink coffee:
1. Improves energy level
Coffee can help you feel less tired and increases energy levels because it contains a stimulant called caffeine. After drinking coffee, caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream and then reaches the brain. Once there, caffeine blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter. Many studies show that coffee improves various aspects of brain function, including memory, mood, alertness, energy levels, reaction time, and general mental function.
2. Improves physical performance
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and increases the level of adrenaline in the blood. Several studies have shown that caffeine improves athletic performance. The positive effects include improved circulation, increased muscle strength, endurance, plus relieves pain.
3. Burns fat
Caffeine is found in almost all weight loss supplements. It is one of the few natural substances that has been shown to help burn fat. Several studies show that caffeine can increase fat burning and metabolic rate.
4. Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
Several studies show that people who drink coffee have a much lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. Researchers say that possible reasons include the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee), the ability to stimulate fat burning, and the impact on intestinal microbes that protect health.
5. Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. There are several things you can do to prevent the disease, such as eating a healthy diet and regular physical activity but drinking coffee can be extremely effective. Several studies show that people who drink coffee have an up to 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. It is caused by the death of dopamine-generating neurons in the brain. Studies show that people who drink coffee have a much lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. In this case, caffeine itself seems to be beneficial, because people who drink decaffeinated coffee do not have this low risk. In addition, according to a 2012 study, caffeine can help control movement in people with Parkinson’s disease.
7. Decreases the risk of liver disease
A 2017 study concluded that any type of coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee) reduces the risk of liver cancer, hepatic steatosis, and cirrhosis, by reducing the level of liver enzymes.
8. Decreases the risk of multiple sclerosis
Recent studies have shown that at least four cups of coffee a day can help protect against the development and recurrence of multiple sclerosis. Coffee is believed to prevent neuronal inflammation that can lead to the development of the disease.
9. Decreases the risk of gout
The risk of gout (in men) decreases with increasing coffee consumption.
10. Prevents retinal damage
A study by Cornell University showed that coffee can prevent retinal damage due to oxidative stress, due to the content of chlorogenic acid, which is one of the powerful antioxidants found in coffee beans.
11. Black coffee prevents cavities
Researchers have found that black coffee kills bacteria in the teeth that promote tooth decay. Adding milk or sugar to coffee decreases this benefit.
12. Decreases the risk of other diseases
Studies show that drinking coffee can protect against certain types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, and prostate cancer, as well as heart disease. Lifetime consumption of caffeinated coffee is also associated with a reduced risk of stroke. In terms of brain health, caffeinated coffee increases alertness and can also improve memory up to 24 hours after consumption.
13. Brings happiness
Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life. Coffee seems to lower the risk of depression and can dramatically reduce the risk of suicide. The researchers found that drinking coffee is linked to positive emotions, including pleasure, kindness, affection, satisfaction, friendship, calm, and happiness.
14. Longevity
Given that people who consume coffee have a much lower risk of suffering from various serious diseases, the conclusion is that coffee can help you live longer. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that people who drink coffee have a lower risk of dying prematurely from diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and various cancers.
15. Antioxidants
Coffee is quite rich in antioxidants. Studies show that we get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruits and vegetables. In fact, coffee can be one of the healthiest drinks on the planet. Chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol abundant in coffee, has been shown to reduce inflammation and may play a key role in preventing chronic diseases, including obesity.
Decaffeinated coffee can also provide health benefits such as antioxidants, protection against type 2 diabetes, and even increased alertness.
If you want to find out about the benefits of beer, check out our article on this topic: 19 health benefits of beer.
[Photo from Pixabay]
