What are the health benefits of coffee?

February 1, 2023 / Nutrition / 4-minute read

It’s hard to imagine, but an estimated 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the world, not every year or every month, but every single day! If you’re among the contributors to these numbers, you’ll be happy to know that your morning cup of coffee offers some health benefits.

Enhanced energy levels – Perhaps one of the most appreciated benefits of a cup of coffee comes from its caffeine, a stimulant. Caffeine increases activity in the brain and nervous systems. It increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline. In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused.=

Reduced body fat – Researchers have shown that four cups of coffee a day could reduce body fat by about 4%. It is thought that this may be due to the caffeine increasing the metabolism, which may burn more calories and lead to a decrease in body fat.

Mood stability – Lower levels of depression have been found among coffee drinkers due in part to the production of serotonin and dopamine that occurs with daily use. In addition, regular coffee consumption reduces the risk of depression and suicide by about 50%.

Enhanced physical activity – For athletes, coffee is a go-to performance enhancer. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the central nervous system to reduce fatigue and drowsiness. It may also benefit exercise performance, improving endurance and increasing muscle strength.

Reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes – There is mounting scientific evidence that coffee drinkers who consume 3-4 cups of regular coffee daily have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is likely due to chlorogenic acids and caffeine, both found in higher concentrations after the roasting process.

Reduced risk of liver disease – Coffee is good for liver health. Regularly drinking moderate amounts of coffee may prevent liver cancer, lower the risk of fibrosis (tissue scarring) and cirrhosis, and slow the progression of liver disease in some patients.

Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s – Studies published in the past two years suggests that regular coffee consumption in midlife reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease, particularly in the elderly. Others show that coffee consumption may be related to slower cognitive decline. These and other findings open possibilities for prevention or postponing the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Reduced risk of Parkinson’s – Drinking coffee has long been associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease, beginning with a study published over 50 years ago. In the years since, researchers have come to believe that caffeine and a fatty acid, EHT, work together to play a protective role.

Enhanced heart health – Drinking 2-3 cups of coffee a day is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure and dangerous heart rhythms and living longer. One researcher explains, “Coffee beans have over 100 biologically active compounds. These substances can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, boost metabolism, inhibit the gut’s absorption of fat and block receptors known to be involved with abnormal heart rhythms.”

Better skin – The antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory flavonoids and polyphenols found in coffee have been shown to improve skin problems such as rosacea, eczema, acne and psoriasis. Your skin benefits not only from drinking coffee, but the grounds can be used as an exfoliant, and diluted coffee can be applied as a compress to soothe sunburn.

Remember that drinking coffee may have negative effects on some individuals, including anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, nausea and increased heart rate.

For coffee lovers, these benefits are welcomed. So go ahead and start your day, “but first, coffee.”

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