Scientists Find Coffee is Good for Your Health

Caffeine is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about coffee. A beloved beverage known for its ability to keep you focused and boost your energy, many people depend on their daily cup, when they wake up to get their day started on the right foot. It’s no secret that coffee helps us kickstart the day, and for many it’s hard to imagine a day without it. 

But is drinking coffee good for you? 

We have been preconditioned to believe that coffee isn’t good for you, however with time, and recent research studies strongly suggest that drinking coffee actually has a multitude of health benefits. 

So for all you coffee lovers out there, this article is for you. 

Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about enjoying your steaming cup of joe. 

Multiple cups included!

Pros of coffee consumption —

• Coffee can jumpstart the digestive system — You are definitely not imagining it when you feel like your morning brew helps get your bowels moving. Drinking coffee has been associated with colon motility, a process where food gets moving through the digestive tract. Drinking coffee in the morning helps you to defecate by relaxing the sphincter muscles. 
• Coffee can promote good gut bacteria — Coffee consumption is known to change the microbiome of your gut. The levels of good bacteria increase due to coffee consumption. 

If you were to compare coffee drinkers with non coffee drinkers, you can see that the individuals who drink coffee have changes in their microbiota, and an increased level of ‘good bacteria’.

• Coffee boosts energy levels — We all know that coffee contains caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system, fights fatigue and increases energy levels. 
• Coffee can be linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes — Some research suggests that consuming coffee regularly could decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes long term. This is due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels and process glucose better. Being rich in antioxidants is an added advantage.
• Coffee can support brain health — Some research suggests that coffee may help protect against certain neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Moderate coffee consumption is attributed to a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline. In fact, researchers have found that women aged sixty-five plus who are used to drinking two to three cups of coffee a day are less likely to develop dementia in general.
• Coffee can promote weight management — Research suggests that coffee can alter fat storage and support gut health, both of which may be beneficial for weight management. The magnesium and potassium content in coffee helps regulate blood sugar levels which in turn reduces your craving for sugar and helps burn fat quicker.
• Coffee has been linked to a lower risk of depression — The caffeine in coffee stimulates the central nervous system and boosts production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, which elevate your mood. Thus lowering the risk of depression.
• Coffee can protect your liver — Interestingly enough, coffee is known to support liver health and protect against liver disease like liver scarring and liver cancer or improve conditions of a fatty liver.
• Coffee supports heart health — Drinking coffee is known to be beneficial for your heart health with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and heart failure. However, it is important to keep in mind that caffeine could affect blood pressure levels, so people suffering from blood pressure may need to limit their caffeine intake. 
• Coffee can increase longevity — Coffee can help extend your longevity, all thanks to its swarm of potential health benefits. Coffee is often associated with a lower risk of death, so drinking up! 
• Coffee enhances your physical prowess — Coffee is considered to be a performance enhancer due to its caffeine levels which improve performance and increase energy levels. 
• Your DNA will be stronger — Dark roast coffee has proven to decrease breakage in DNA strands. DNA strands tend to break naturally but can lead to cancer or tumors if they are not repaired by your cells. Coffee helps lower this breakage. 
• Coffee helps you focus and stay alert — Moderate caffeine intake helps you focus, stay alert and improves your mental alertness.
• Coffee protects and promotes immunity —  Coffee is packed with antioxidants that essentially work as little warriors in your body, fighting and protecting it. 

Cons —

What if you drink too much coffee?

Drinking too much coffee comes with its side effects. Coffee’s effects aren’t always universal and there is a tipping point. Too much coffee can leave you feeling jittery, anxious and even make your heart race, not to mention it might have you staying up all night.

Do not load up your coffee with sugar — Too much sugar is not good for your gut microbiome thus counteracting the benefits of coffee. One way to maximize the benefits of your daily cup of coffee is to avoid too much sugar or opt for natural low calorie sweeteners like stevia, vanilla or cinnamon for flavor.

Coffee and women — Good news women, the case for coffee is stronger than ever. Coffee is loaded with antioxidants and substances that help guard women against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. Drinking at least one cup of coffee a day is recommended especially for women. 

Conclusion

Coffee is a popular beverage that researchers have studied extensively. Its many health benefits make it a great addition to your diet. But like everything else it must be consumed in moderation. 

As Deepak Chopra says — “ Health is not just the absence of disease. It’s an inner joyfulness that should be ours all the time. A state of positive well-being.’

So if your cuppa or multiple cups of joe are bringing this positive well-being, 

I say – Go for it.