Coffee lovers have a win in the lines of health benefits, which includes longer lifespans! We didn’t need a reason to drink it, but we’re certainly glad for some new facts. Studies have recently shown that coffee may lower your risk of heart disease and stroke! Alongside the medical benefits, there are studies indicating mood elevations, fat burning capabilities, and even some antioxidants to consider!
Of course, you must bear in mind the risks involved with “too much of a good thing,” but who’s to say there isn’t an option for that as well! With that being said, let’s jump into the new facts brought to light about our favorite morning pick me up.
Benefits of Coffee
While not as many studies have been conducted on decaffeinated as caffeinated, both types prove beneficial to our overall health. Much of what is contained in the caffeinated version can also be said for decaffeinated, including the antioxidants and prevention of age-related mental defects. If you suffer from acid reflux, however, decaf or half and half may be a good option to continue to receive the benefits without the heartburn.
Antioxidant Power
Besides coffee’s innate ability to make us more socially acceptable in the early hours, coffee has extended benefits for our health and the ability to make our day more productive! It has antioxidants, including B12, B5, manganese, potassium, and niacin. Increased antioxidants help to prevent tissue damage, and caffeine can help us power through our days.
Physical Advantages
Caffeine contributes to increased physical performance, better memory, mood, and energy levels. There are also some fat burning characteristics to caffeine, as some studies have shown that it can boost metabolic rate. However, this characteristic possibly diminishes over long-term use.
Medical Benefits
Health benefits to coffee include the reduction in Type II Diabetes because of manganese. Additionally, the risk of developing kidney disease diminishes. Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s take a hit by the health benefits of coffee through the reduction of inflammation. There have also been studies that show no such link between acrylamide, a chemical in the roasting process of the beans, and cancer. On the contrary, the antioxidants that help fight tissue damage can help fight against it, especially colon and liver cancers!
Better Mood
Another significant benefit is heightened levels of happiness! With a better mood, improved memory, and depression-fighting qualities, what’s not to love? There’s a certain quality to the smell of a fresh brew in the morning, and now we know why.
Risks
While we’ve talked about the many benefits of coffee, there are still some things to remember when consuming the nectar of the Gods. So, as they say, moderation is key. Keep in mind that some people may have a genetic mutation that breaks down caffeine at a much slower rate, so knowing your body and how it metabolizes caffeinated beverages could benefit your health in the long run. If left unchecked, you could risk heart disease, which is where it got its bad rep in the first place. As always, if you are pregnant, you should check with your doctor.
Caffeine seems to be the main culprit for possible risks, so keep that in mind when going for those extra cups. Since decaffeinated is an option, you may want to opt to drink it when you feel the need for a third or fourth cup. Caffeine is an excellent mood booster and power pickup, but you certainly don’t want to overdo it and end up causing yourself anxiety or preventing sleep. By avoiding caffeine late in the day, you’ll be able to steer clear of the heightened blood pressure and adrenaline that causes sleepless nights.
Rejoice and smile at the nay-sayers, as there is scientific proof that coffee is fantastic – not that we needed any to know that! With its richness in antioxidants, mood boosting qualities, and the medical benefits, you will be able to enjoy your morning joe even more now that you know it’s contributing to the length of your lifespan.
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