7 Health benefits of coffee: why the beverage is actually good for you

Coffee is mostly notorious for jolting people up with energy, fine-tuning focus, uplifting moods or even soaring productivity to unprecedented levels. And although coffee sometimes gets a bad “rep”, it can actually be exceptionally good for you.

In addition to its energizing effects, coffee has been linked to a long list of potential health benefits, giving you all the more reason to get brewing. Now, the case for coffee is stronger than ever.

Here are some medically backed health benefits linked to the daily consumption of  coffee.

1. May Lower Risk of Mortality/ Death

People who drank coffee were less likely to die from any cause than non-drinkers, according to a large umbrella 2017 study in the British Medical Journal. 

Similarly, one review of 40 studies concluded that drinking two to four cups of coffee daily was associated with a lower risk of death, regardless of factors like age, weight status, and alcohol consumption 

Interestingly, one test-tube study showed that coffee was able to significantly extend the lifespan of yeast by protecting against free radicals and DNA damage. However, more research is needed to determine whether this could also apply to humans.

2. May Reduce Risk of Cancer

Findings show that Coffee is associated with a lower risk for prostate, endometrial and other cancers, and may reduce the chance of some neurological, metabolic and liver conditions.

3. May Help Fight Against Type 2 diabetes

According to several studies conducted, drinking more coffee reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes compared to drinking less; with risk decreasing with each dose of higher consumption.

4. May Lower Risk of Liver Disease

Drinking any amount of coffee versus no coffee was associated with a reduced chance of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibroids and liver cirrhosis, according to the data. There was also a significant association between drinking coffee and a lower risk for gallstone disease.

Interestingly, several studies suggest that coffee could support liver health and protect against disease.

Other research shows that the more coffee people drank, the lower their risk of death from chronic liver disease. Drinking one cup of coffee per day was tied to a 15% lower risk, while drinking four cups per day was linked to a 71% lower risk 

5. May Reduce Risk of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression

Although studies have turned up mixed results, some research has shown Coffee to be consistently associated with a lower risk of certain neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders, including Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease.

According to one review of 13 studies, people who regularly consumed caffeine had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. What’s more, caffeine consumption also slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease over time

What’s more, several studies have demonstrated that moderate coffee consumption could be associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline as well as lower depression & the risk of death by suicide.

6. May boost cardiovascular health

A recent study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that the beverage comes with a number of Cardiovascular benefits. Having two to three cups a day was associated with significant reductions in the risk for developing coronary heart disease.

Additionally, one study in more than 21,000 people also found that increased coffee intake was associated with a significantly decreased risk of heart failure 

However, keep in mind that caffeine could affect blood pressure levels. Therefore, people with unmanaged blood pressure may need to limit or moderate their caffeine intake.

7. May rejuvenate skin 

Coffee is high in antioxidants such as phenols, which help fight free radicals and protect the skin from damage. As a result, fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin can be avoided. In fact, the antioxidants in coffee can help fight acne, increase collagen formation, and minimize hyper-pigmentation.

THE BOTTOMLINE

Researchers have examined coffee extensively for its several health advantages, including its capacity to boost energy levels, encourage weight management, and guard against chronic disease.

Remember that some people, such as those who are pregnant or nursing, children and adolescents, and those with specific medical issues, may need to reduce their intake.

However, consuming three to four cups of coffee per day in moderation has been linked to a number of health advantages and is usually regarded as safe for most adults. Begin brewing your coffee today to enjoy these benefits.