When you hear the word “coffee” do you think of a beverage that provides you with energy and a warm buzz? Do you picture a dark roast cup of Joe that people love drinking in the morning? Or do you imagine a delicate beverage made from ground beans, slightly heated until it reflects a golden glow?
Most of us won’t think beyond these simple assumptions about coffee, and we don’t realize just how many benefits this drink can provide. And even if some would claim drinking coffee has negative effects on a person’s health, there are several scientific reasons that attest to the health-giving benefits of coffee, if it is consumed moderately.
So do you wonder why coffee is a healthy beverage? Allow us to further discuss this matter by citing the science-back reasons why this psychoactive substance is good for you.
Makes You Smarter
While coffee has been known to elevate energy levels, scientists say it can also make you smarter. To be specific, the caffeine in the beverage goes into the bloodstream and into the brain, which blocks the adenosine and increases norepinephrine (a brain stimulator neurotransmitter) and dopamine (happy hormone).
Many studies have determined the effects of coffee in stimulating a person’s mood and energy levels as well as boosting various functions of the brain.
Burns Fat
Today, caffeine is usually seen in most fat-burning supplements, and that’s because it is one of the few natural substances that burn fat.
In particular, several studies have proven that caffeine can boost metabolic rate by 3% to 11%, increase the fat-burning process of the body by 10% for obese individuals and 29% for lean individuals.
Also, it’s important to take note that the fat-burning effects of coffee may diminish for regular coffee drinkers.
Contains Antioxidants
Various studies have determined that coffee is rich in antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, which reduces inflammation and protecting our bodies against chronic illnesses, like obesity. In fact, 65% of Americans who drink coffee every day have been found to provide an acceptable antioxidant intake similar to those who eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. And the same polyphenol is also responsible for reducing arterial inflammation, which also makes coffee a drink that’s good for the heart.
This goes to show that coffee can be a good source of antioxidants provided that you drink it based on the recommended servings.
Lower The Risk Of Parkinson’s Disease
Scientific tests also indicate that those who regularly drink coffee lessen the risk of Parkinson’s Disease because it keeps the dopamine-generating neurons in the brain to function properly. Likewise, the caffeine in coffee is also seen as a contributing factor in preventing Parkinson’s based on studies as compared to individuals who drink decaf daily.
May Curb Certain Cancers
Last but not least, men who love drinking coffee are found to be less at risk of having aggressive prostate cancer. Likewise, women who drink 4 cups of coffee a day are less likely to have endometrial cancer than women who drink 1 cup of coffee a day.
And the reason behind this is the antioxidant phytochemicals in coffee have anticarcinogenic properties which aids in the prevention of cancerous tumors in the body.
Final Thoughts
If you like drinking coffee, make sure to limit your intake to 5 short cups (or 2.5 grande cups) a day. Also, refrain from adding too much sugar, combining it with stimulants, a cut off caffeine intake 6 hours before you sleep to maximize the benefits of this popular beverage.
