Few people can imagine starting their day without a welcoming cup of coffee. The aroma, flavor, and comforting warmth are a friendly way to greet the morning. However, in addition to the enjoyment and the pick-up jolt, there are several additional advantages to that cup of coffee.
Boosts Metabolism
If you love coffee and drink it regularly, you may be pleased to know coffee has several health benefits. For starters, it helps boost the metabolism which helps in keeping weight off. One cup of black coffee contains only 1 to 2 calories depending on the size of your cup. It’s only after sugar and other sweeteners are added the calorie count starts to pile up! For example, A Venti Java Chip Frappuccino from Starbucks has 600 calories! Believe it or not, that is actually more than a McDonald’s Big Mac. So while coffee itself is a great “skinny” drink, beware of adding additional sugars and sweeteners.
Contains Nutrients
Coffee contains 21 essential nutrients including several B Vitamins, Manganese, and Potassium. Additionally, coffee has high levels of antioxidants. In fact, in the typical American diet coffee offers the highest source of antioxidants. In the brain, caffeine has the effect of increasing neurotransmitters that improve memory, mood, reaction times, energy levels and cognitive function.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
In several studies data shows coffee can help prevent several diseases and conditions. For example, in 18 different studies spanning over 450,000 people, results show coffee can reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes by as much as 50%! Other studies have shown coffee drinkers have a 65% lower risk of getting Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Other studies have shown that caffeine has a direct effect in preventing Parkinson’s. Those studies have shown results ranging from 32%-60% lower risk. While there are currently no cures for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Parkinson’s, these studies more than indicate coffee can reduce the risk of contracting these neurodegenerative diseases in the first place.
Promotes a Healthy Liver
The liver is a busy organ in the human body responsible for carrying out a multitude of functions. There are several diseases that can attack the liver such as hepatitis and fatty liver disease, weakening and damaging this vital organ. Several of these diseases can result in cirrhosis in which the liver’s healthy tissue is replaced with scar tissue. People who drink 4 or more cups of coffee a day have an 80% lower risk of developing cirrhosis.
While this article highlights many health benefits of coffee, it is by no means an exhaustive list. That being said, it should be clear that there are many healthy reasons to drink coffee in addition to that welcoming pick-up in the morning.
