Coffee makes for a quintessential morning ritual for millions of people around the world. A steaming cup o’ joe early in the morning or during your midday slumps can instantly energize and enliven your body and mind and allow you to take on your day with increased vitality.
Time and again, we are reminded of the downsides of fueling our systems with too much caffeine. On the flipside, however, there are numerous amazing health benefits of coffee that will provide you more reason stick with your favorite beverage, and consume it in proportions that can actually help you lead a healthier life. We have rounded up a list of five incredible benefits that you can get from coffee.
Reduces risk of cancer and liver disease
A rich source of natural antioxidants, coffee can help neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals that can otherwise destroy cells and induce premature ageing. In addition to this, these free radicals are also known to cause certain types of cancers that may be prevented through regular consumption of coffee. Also, the antioxidants present in coffee have been found to be effective in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and in preventing liver cancer.
Prevents diabetes
According to a study conducted by researchers at UCLA, regular consumption of coffee enhances the plasma levels of SHBG, or sex hormone binding globulin, which is directly associated with the regulation of testosterone and estrogen in the body. These hormones play a critical role in the development of Type 2 diabetes which can be prevented by the consumption of coffee.
Boosts short-term memory
Research indicates that people who consumed coffee registered a considerable surge in brain activity with quicker reactions times and better memory, compared to those who were administered with an ordinary placebo. According to leading toxicologists and neurologists, caffeine was found to have a direct effect on certain parts of the brain, leading to heightened awareness, higher concentration and stronger short-term memory.
Helps with weight loss
Caffeine is among the very few naturally occurring substances that have been proven to accelerate the body’s fat burning process. According to numerous research studies, caffeine has the potential to increase your metabolic rate by as much as 11%. Another study indicates that caffeine can increase the fat burning process by as much as 29% in lean individuals and 10% among the obese. And, this explains why most commercially manufactured fat burning supplements contain caffeine.
Protects against dementia and Alzheimers
Two of the most common neurodegenerative diseases – the Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – are known to cause highly debilitating symptoms among people over 65 years of age. While there is no known cure for these disorders, caffeine can help you prevent their onset in the first place. There have been a number of studies that indicate as high as 65% lower risk of contracting the Alzheimer’s disease among individuals who consumed coffee on a regular basis.
As is the case with all other good things in life, moderation is the key to maximizing the benefits of coffee consumption while limiting any potential damages of introducing excessive caffeine in your system.
