There’s something delightfully comforting about this brew that makes it the perfect elixir to perk you up for the rest of the day. It is not surprising that this beverage is one of the most widely consumed drinks globally, clocking in at 165.35 million 60kg bags of coffee expended in 2019. Apart from motivating you to get your butt moving, your cuppa java has many significant benefits. Here are five amazing health benefits of coffee.
1. Coffee Can Improve Energy Levels
Coffeeholics credit this humble cup for giving them a burst of energy. This factor is the primary reason most adults drink an average of 3-10 cups of coffee per day. People usually start their mornings with a cup, then take a mid-morning break with another. If there are meetings at work, you can rest assured that coffee is part of the menu. If you need to pull an all-nighter because of a pressing report, coffee will keep you awake and alert. You will feel less tired and more energetic with coffee because it contains a stimulant called caffeine. It is the most consumed and famed psychoactive substance ever!
When you ingest coffee, your bloodstream absorbs the caffeine. As blood flows, it will travel to your brain, where it will block the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine. In layman’s terms, this is your body’s depressant or mood downer. As a result, other receptors become “alive” and alert, giving you an energy and mood boost. It also revs up your metabolism, allowing you to burn more fat and calories, a win-win situation!
See also: Health Benefits of Oatmeal
2. Coffee Lowers Depression
Caffeine is a touted stimulant for the nervous system. Because it impedes the adenosine receptors, you can expect improved brain activity and excitability. For this reason, people who drink coffee feel more energetic and productive. A shot of espresso or even a cup of cappuccino has the power to perk you up. It is no wonder that coffee bridges cultural barriers! There is kape in Filipino, koffie in Dutch, or kopi in Singapore.
Coffee is an affordable treat that will tickle anyone’s palate. No matter what kind of coffee concoction you drink, it is guaranteed to make you feel positive. With an optimistic frame of mind, you are able to handle stress better and get through your day with a smile no matter how tough things are. Your daily dose of coffee will certainly increase your happiness quotient.
See also: Health Benefits of Seeds
3. Coffee Contains Nutrients
As most coffee connoisseurs know, coffee is made from the coffee bean plant. Just like other herbs and botanicals, the coffee plant itself is packed densely with many nutrients. When you make a cup of coffee derived from the beans, the nutrients make their way into your infusion. The aroma alone of a freshly brewed cup is enough to stir your senses! When it tickles your olfactory nerves, that alone is a sign of how good it is. And it is indeed excellent for you as a single cup contains the following elements which address your Reference Daily Intake (RDI):
- Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin: 11% of your RDI
- Vitamin B3 or Niacin and Magnesium: 2% of your RDI
- Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid: 6% of your RDI
- Manganese and potassium: 3% of your RDI
To some, the numbers may seem small and insignificant. However, do note that most people enjoy several cups of coffee in a day. When you add all that liquid gold up, that tally will definitely compound to make a huge difference in your life.
See also: Intermittent Fasting 101 – What, How & Why?
4. Coffee Helps Your Brain Function Properly
Because the caffeine in coffee makes such a huge impact on your nervous system, you can expect your brain to function optimally. When the adenosine is blocked, other neurotransmitters take center stage. You will see a spike in norepinephrine and dopamine.
These receptors are responsible for enhancing the activity of your neurons. As such, you can expect improved overall brain activity. You can remember things better, which is why coffee is a popular choice for the all-night study session. Apart from increasing energy levels, you will boost memory, improve reaction times, and amplify your general mental function.
See also: Beginner’s Guide to CBD
5. Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Coffee aficionados will be thrilled to hear that coffee has the power to lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. This is a dreaded acquired disease that usually crops up with old age or due to your lifestyle. Unfortunately, diabetes is not merely an issue of being unable to control your sugar or glucose levels. It has the power to affect your organ system with complications such as nerve damage, eye problems, liver or kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, inability to heal, and more.
Fortunately, coffee drinkers have been scientifically proven to have a 23% to 50% lower risk of acquiring diabetes. One research even revealed an astounding 67% reduction. The reason for this astounding benefit is that scientists have found that the cafestol in coffee works wonders. This is a bioactive compound in coffee that promotes reduced fasting glucose levels, increased secretion of insulin, and improved insulin sensitivity. All this means your body can process sugar better, allowing your body to stave off type 2 diabetes.
Now when you reach for your daily cup of joe, you will never take it for granted. After finding out it has so many perks for your body, you’ll certainly relish every glorious drop. Happy sipping!
See also: How Coffee Can Boost your Workout
