10 Verified Health Advantages of Coffee

There are many health benefits of coffee that you might not be aware of. Did you know that more than 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed each year? Often called “liquid gold,” coffee is actually the second most traded commodity in the world, right after oil. Beyond its delicious taste, coffee offers numerous health advantages. It contains a variety of antioxidants and nutrients that promote health and wellness, and it can reduce the risk of certain diseases. Here are some proven health benefits of coffee—if you needed another reason to include it in your life!

When purchasing coffee, always opt for organic when possible. Organic beans are typically of higher quality, often fair-trade certified, and frequently sourced from family-owned farms.

ORGANIC COFFEE
This coffee is not only fun to say, but it is also grown in a socially and environmentally responsible manner by farmers with sustainable practices.

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One lesser-known benefit of coffee is that caffeine blocks a specific inhibitory neurotransmitter called adenosine. By doing so, it increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to a boost in mental clarity and neuron activity. Coffee has also been shown to enhance various brain functions, including mood, energy levels, reaction time, memory, and overall cognitive performance.

For those looking to shed a few pounds, coffee can be beneficial! If you’re considering any fat-burning supplements, caffeine is likely a key ingredient. Research indicates that caffeine can boost metabolism by 3-11% and significantly enhance fat-burning capabilities. Some studies have found that fat burning can increase by 10% in obese individuals and by 29% in lean individuals while consuming caffeine. In short, caffeine is an effective way to burn extra calories.

Most people are aware of antioxidants and their powerful effects on free radicals, but for those who aren’t, here’s why it matters. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to the body, leading to premature aging and various diseases. Coffee is rich in antioxidants that combat these free radicals, with scientists identifying around 1,000 different antioxidants in coffee beans!

One of the most impressive health benefits of coffee is its ability to fight against two types of cancer: liver cancer and rectal cancer. Liver cancer is more common than many realize, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Remarkably, coffee consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of liver cancer by up to 40%! Additionally, a study involving over 400,000 participants found that coffee drinkers had a 15% lower risk of rectal cancer.

Given that coffee lowers the risk of certain diseases and provides valuable antioxidants, it’s no surprise that it may help you live longer. A large study revealed that female coffee drinkers had a 26% lower risk of death, while male drinkers had a 20% lower risk. It also appears to positively impact diabetics, who had a 30% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers.

Believe it or not, one cup of coffee contains essential nutrients like riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, niacin, and pantothenic acid. If you’re on a detox or considering one, this is another reason to drink more coffee. While the nutrient content may not be overwhelming, if you consume three cups a day like the average American adult, you’ll be getting a steady supply of vital nutrients.

Many people are unaware that over 17.5 million Americans suffer from some form of depression, and this number is rising each year. Research shows that women who drink four or more cups of coffee daily have a 20% lower risk of depression. Furthermore, those who consume four cups a day are 53% less likely to commit suicide compared to non-drinkers. While coffee isn’t a cure for depression, it seems to be beneficial for those struggling with it.

Caffeine is one of the most effective supplements for enhancing exercise performance. Drinking coffee can lead to a spike in adrenaline, improving performance by about 11-12%. If you’re looking for a good workout routine, consider our yoga workout for weight loss. Additionally, consuming coffee before exercising can release free fatty acids into the bloodstream, providing a source of fuel. For optimal performance, drink your coffee about 20-30 minutes before hitting the gym.

Type II diabetes now affects over 300 million people globally and is becoming a significant issue. However, heavy coffee drinkers experience a 23-67% reduction in the risk of developing the disease. Each cup consumed is associated with a 7% decrease in risk. While fewer people have Parkinson’s disease (about 10 million worldwide), drinking coffee can reduce the risk of developing it by 32-60%.

Heart disease is linked to one in every four deaths worldwide, and this growing epidemic likely affects someone you know. Drinking two cups of coffee daily can lower the risk of heart failure by 11%. This makes coffee beneficial for your heart, body, brain, and mind.

Coffee can increase cortisol, a stress hormone, so it’s important to drink it at the right times. For maximum health benefits, consider having coffee at two specific times: about an hour after waking up, when cortisol levels are already high, and just before your workout for a performance boost.

A common concern about coffee is its acidity and potential long-term effects on health. While this claim is unproven, you can counteract acidity by adding alkalizing foods or choosing low-acid coffee. Foods like unsweetened almond milk and coconut milk can help balance the acidity while adding flavor.

Many items served at coffee shops turn a healthy drink into a calorie-laden treat. Coffee shouldn’t taste like a milkshake; it has subtle flavors that can be appreciated. The biggest mistake people make is adding sugars, sweeteners, creams, and flavorings. Focus on drinking organic coffee as black as possible.

Avoid plastic coffee containers, as they are deemed unsafe and contain estrogenic activity. The packets used are not recyclable and harm the environment. Additionally, the lids are made of polyethylene-coated foil, linked to anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, autism, and celiac disease. Instead, opt for a drip coffee maker with organic coffee beans for a much healthier choice.

The ideal amount of coffee varies by person, but generally, two cups a day is fine, three is good, and four should be the maximum. The health benefits of coffee may decline after four cups. If high caffeine levels don’t suit you, consider switching to decaf.

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