According to the British Coffee Association, we Brits now drink approximately 95 million cups of coffee per day! This isn’t just at coffee shops and cafes which 16% of us do daily, but also in the household. In fact, 80% of households buy instant coffee to enjoy that warm, comforting and satisfying drink in the comfort of their own living rooms. Even in the US, according to recent statistics over 54 percent of its entire population drink three cups on average per day!
I think it is fair to say that coffee is well known for its energy-boosting properties; hence why it is such a popular morning drink. However coffee also possesses many other health benefits that we are starting to really take notice of as we move into 2020 and beyond.
In this article, we will share with you six ways in which coffee can support your health. However take note; when we talk about coffee, we are talking about real, high-quality coffee. Sure, sweetened varieties of coffee or those with added milk or cream are nice for a treat, however, to see the real health benefits of coffee you need to focus on those not mixed with anything extra.
1. Heart Protection
Let’s face it; your heart is by far the most important organ in your body. That is why you want to take care of it, and ensure it is always operating at its best. Well did you know that coffee is good for your heart, and can actually reduce the chances of you developing heart disease?
Research conducted by the team at the University of Colorado Medical School which was later published by Time Magazine shows that the consumption of coffee often actually leads to a decrease in the risk of developing heart disease. Looking into the studies, some of this lowered risk comes from coffees antioxidant levels (which we will come on to later) however the data does state that those who drink 8 ounces of caffeine-based drinks per day see a reduction in risk by around 5 to 7 percent in comparison to those who do not drink coffee.
In addition, statistics published in Medical News Today suggest that drinking more than three cups of coffee per day can also protect against atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, preventing blood from flowing normally.
2. Energy Levels and Performance Boosting
We all know that drinking coffee wakes us up, making us feel more alert and helps us to focus a little more. This is because it is classed as a psychoactive substance. You see, caffeine is noted to block something Adenosine in the brain which is a naturally occurring entity that is produced by almost all cells in the body, but throughout the day can inhibit arousal and cause sleepiness; that is why you see a natural increase in adenosine levels during sleep. That is why caffeine helps to wake you up as it helps to block the effects of adenosine.
So by drinking coffee, you will see a natural boost in your energy levels which will then help you to see an increase in your performance; whether that be at work, at home, or on the sports ground.
3. Helps to Battle Depression
Thankfully, 2020 has opened us all up to be more understanding of depression and the effects it can have on individuals and the people around them. According to statistics released by The Mental Health Foundation, over 19.7% of people in the UK aged over 16 have shown symptoms of anxiety or depression; but the good news is that coffee can actually help to fight depression effectively.
A study led by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that those who drank four or more cups per day had a 20 percent lower risk of experiencing depression.
Even on a lighter note, consumers of coffee attest that they feel much lighter and happier when they have a good cup of coffee!
4. A Fantastic Source of Antioxidants
Coffee contains many antioxidants, and the two main ones are polyphenols and hydroxycinnamic acids. Both of these are essential in fighting free radicals that naturally occur in your body. Free radicals actually cause damage to both your proteins and your DNA; which is one of the biggest contributing factors to developing cancer.
5. Helps to Combat Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is the second most common condition that most adults develop as they age, second only to Alzheimer’s disease.
A study conducted by the Krembil Brain Institute concluded that a compound known as phenylindances, which emerges during the roasting of coffee beans, inhibits the formation of the beta-amyloid and tau; both of which can be common factors in neurodegenerative conditions.
6. Supports Weight Loss
We all know that a reduction of body fat can lead to a healthier life. Caffeine is one of the most common ingredients in every single fat-burning supplement available. This is because studies show that caffeine has properties that can aid and assist in the burning of fat.
Plus, caffeine also has the ability to improve people’s metabolic rates by up to 11 percent.
Overall, coffee is not only a lovely drink sought after by many on a daily basis, but the regular consumption of high-quality coffee can also support your health; both physically and mentally.
