6 Health Benefits Of Coffee

For many coffee lovers, the daily brew is more than just the smell of roasted beans and a smooth, rich taste. It's the ritual of starting the day with a steamy mug or icy glass of coffee. The average American drinks about three cups of coffee a day - so it’s particularly advantageous that it’s packed with a number of health benefits. Let's explore six benefits of coffee that you may not have known about.

1. IT IMPROVES MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION

We all rely on coffee for a boost in the morning (or the afternoon or evening). Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that has been shown to increase energy levels and decrease fatigue by altering levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Because it is rich in caffeine, coffee can help to improve memory and alertness. It can also increase the capacity to concentrate a decrease drowsiness.   

2. COFFEE IS PACKED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS

In fact, coffee shows more antioxidant activity than green tea and cocoa, two antioxidant superstars. Antioxidants can effectively disarm free radicals, thus protecting against aging and many diseases that are partly caused by oxidative stress, ranging from cancer to Parkinson's disease. Scientists have identified approximately 1,000 antioxidants in unprocessed coffee beans, and hundreds more develop during the roasting process.

3. IT INCREASES METABOLISM

Coffee has proven to increase metabolism in multiple studies, and increased metabolism is what results in more calories burned, ultimately helping you lose weight if that's your goal. Studies also found that people who consumed coffee are more likely to be physically active. 

4. IT LOWERS THE RISK OF DIABETES

Coffee prevents Type 2 diabetes by maintaining beta cells in the pancreas, which regulate blood sugar levels and produce insulin. In addition, the polyphenols in coffee work with antioxidants to reduce insulin sensitivity and inflammation. And coffee positively affects metabolism too, which helps keep your weight in check. These are all factors in preventing Type 2 diabetes. Just make sure you aren’t filling your cup with too much sugar or syrups to maintain these health benefits. 

5. IT ENHANCES EXERCISE PERFORMANCE

We’ve been conditioned to believe that caffeine is dehydrating, one of the primary reasons why fitness experts recommend nixing coffee pre- and post-workout. However, recent research suggests that moderate caffeine consumption — up to about 500 mg, or about five cups per day — doesn’t dehydrate exercisers enough to interfere with their workout. In addition, coffee helps battle fatigue, enabling you to exercise longer. Caffeine is a performance and endurance enhancer; not only does it fight fatigue, but it also strengthens muscle contraction, reduces the exerciser’s perception of pain, and increases fatty acids in the blood, which supports endurance. 

5. IT PROTECTS YOUR LIVER

Coffee drinkers have healthier liver enzymes than non-coffee drinkers. The research shows that people who suffer from liver issues like Hepatitis C, chronic liver disease, and fatty liver disease can benefit from regularly consuming coffee. Coffee can protect the liver and keep liver damage from progressing.