For many of us, coffee is the first thought to pop into our head in the early morning. The smell of a steaming cup of joe can give you the extra motivation you need to pull you out of the deep fog of slumber. Whether you drink java to jolt you awake, or simply because you savor the taste, you’ll be glad to hear that, contrary to prior belief, your coffee addiction isn’t one you’ll have to break anytime soon. Although we’ve been warned for years that coffee consumption should be limited, a new scientific consensus has emerged, showing that anywhere between 3-5 cups a day can have a positive impact on one’s health. Here are 7 amazing health benefits to drinking your daily dose, no matter if you take it black, with almond milk, or a spoonful of raw honey.
Although fruits and veggies have tons of antioxidants as well, it seems like the human body has the easiest time absorbing antioxidants from coffee. It may shock you, but coffee is the highest source of the western world’s antioxidant consumption. The consumption of antioxidant-rich foods is good for your heart’s health, reduces your risk of infection and developing some forms of cancer. What’s more, antioxidants are your body’s biggest defense against free-radicals.
A Harvard study found that simply drinking 2-4 cups of coffee a day decreased the risk of suicide by 50%. Moreover, a study done by the National Institute of Health discovered that those who drink 4 or more cups a day were around 10% less depressed than those who had never indulged. This makes sense, because coffee acts as a moderate antidepressant, aiding in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. I guess we can all relate to the mood-boosting feeling a hot cup of coffee can give you in the morning, having the ability to turn even the worst days around.
Coffee has actually been shown to improve the condition of pretty much all liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. If you drink, even occasionally, it might be a good idea to balance out a hangover with a couple cups of coffee. A study published this year found that those who drank at least 1 cup of coffee a day were 20% less likely to develop liver cirrhosis, a condition commonly caused by excessive alcohol consumption. (Take note, however, that being a coffee drinker does not permit you to drink more alcohol without detriment to your health. The risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption are not counterbalanced by coffee consumption.) Ultimately, if you’re concerned about the health of your liver, whatever the reason, make sure you book the next available tickets on the java plane.
According to a study done by the Brigham and Women’s hospital and Harvard Medical School, women who drank three or more cups of coffee a day were significantly less likely to develop skin cancer. The study argued that this is largely due to the caffeine content, which can also be consumed in the form of tea or dark chocolate.
This isn’t really new news at all. Athletes and scientists have known for a while now that a cuppa before a workout improves performance, especially in endurance sports like running. The science behind the boost is that caffeine increases the amount of fatty acids in the bloodstream. The muscles can absorb these for fuel, saving the smaller reserve of carbohydrates for later on in your workout, meaning you’re stamina is longer.
Researchers have found that those who consistently drank coffee throughout their lives, and had a higher blood level of caffeine, delayed or prevented their development of Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly enough, neither tea nor other caffeinated beverages seem to offer the same benefits, so stick to the java. The right amount of caffeine boosts mental performance and staves of cognitive impairment. This doesn’t just go for old age. Although coffee doesn’t technically make you smarter (it sure makes me feel smarter), it makes you significantly more alert. This means you can utilize your intelligence more effectively by honing in your focus.
A relatively recent study has shown that people who drink more coffee live longer. The study monitored individuals in between the ages of 50-70 and surprisingly found that reduced the risk of all causes of mortality. Namely, those who drank around 4 or 5 cups a day were more likely to be alive than their under-caffeinated peers. Men saw a reduced risk of 12%, while women were found to have a reduced risk of 16%. When the study looked into causes of death, they found that coffee drinkers were less likely to die from heart disease and stroke, respiratory disease, diabetes, infections, and even accidents and injury. This study is one among many that have shown that coffee reduces the risk of premature death. So, basically, drinking coffee not only makes you feel alive on groggy days, but actually keeps you alive for longer.
The moral of this story is to keep enjoying your morning, afternoon, and evening coffee breaks. Coffee will not only fuel you through your day to day, but will power you into a long healthy life.
Tags: Body, Environment, Food, Health
Emma Stern is an American expat who, 5 years ago, fell in love with the city of Berlin and hasn't been able to stay away ever since. A writer and English editor for the Amazingy magazine, Emma's other interests include film, surrealism, avocados, and barefeet. Emma finds herself in perfect harmony with Amazingy's ethos, as a sustainable lifestyle is at the core of her values. She aims to spread her love for life and art through her quirky writing and upbeat attitude.
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