Four Surprising Truths About Coffee (Spoiler - It’s Good For You)
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages on the planet. Its wake-up-and-go properties are well established, and there is no doubt that a cup of coffee can provide a short-term boost to overall cognitive function.
However, recently coffee has come under fire from various directions, with people suggesting that too much caffeine can increase the risk of digestive issues and heart problems.
While it is certainly true that excessive amounts of coffee are linked to issues such as increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, anxiety, and trouble falling asleep, it’s also true that when consumed in moderation, coffee actually has a number of health benefits that just might surprise you. Read on to find out!
IT AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS
There are several major ways that coffee has been linked to weight loss. Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks adenosine (the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of sleepiness)—this makes you feel more alert and energized. In this way, it can help to boost your exercise performance by up to twelve percent on average – making for a more effective workout.
In addition to this, coffee can increase your metabolic rate (the rate at which your body burns calories). The faster your body can do this, the easier it is for you to lose weight, and the more you can eat before gaining weight.
IT CONTAINS ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Coffee contains some vital nutrients that support body functions and overall health.It’s high in antioxidants that protect the body against damage from free radicals, which are harmful toxins produced when your body breaks down food or comes into contact with things such as smoke or radiation from the sun.
Coffee also contains essential B vitamins and helpful minerals such as manganese and potassium. These ensure the correct functioning of cells, organs, and muscles, among other things.
IT MAY PROTET AGAINST NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
There have been numerous studies on the link between caffeine and conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s – the two most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases in the world.
Such studies indicate that coffee could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s even in seniors who already have some form of mild dementia. While, in terms of Parkinson’s, caffeine is not only linked to a lower chance of developing the disease, but it could also help those who already have the condition to control their movements better.
IT CAN HELP YOU LIVE LONGER
While previous reports on the effects of caffeine have implicated it in a higher risk of heart problems and strokes, recent research actually indicates that the reverse is true. Habitual coffee drinking could, in fact, even protect against such conditions.
One of the reasons for this is due to the presence of polyphenols, crucial micronutrients that have antihypertensive properties, which result in decreased blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Generally, research seems to indicate a link between coffee consumption and decreased overall mortality.
GRAB A CUP
All in all, coffee makes a great addition to a healthy diet, as long as you pay attention to quality and quantity. Any extra ingredients like sugar or syrup flavors should always be consumed in moderation; otherwise, these could serve to negate all the numerous health benefits of this super drink.
