Many people talk about the possible ills of drinking coffee. Some believe it can cause heart disease, while others blame it for stunting growth. Interestingly, newer research has changed it all and found that moderate drinking may actually have health benefits. Many recent studies have identified no link between heart disease and coffee. That makes people ask, "Is coffee good for you?" Let's find out more about it.
Possible Health Benefits of Coffee
There are many misconceptions associated with coffee consumption, but new studies have found that drinking coffee may improve cardiovascular health and decrease overall mortality. However, it always comes down to exactly how much you drink and how often. Still, here are some possible health benefits of including coffee in your diet.
1. It May Improve Your Mood
For so many people, drinking a cup of coffee is the ultimate way to convert a morning frown into a smile. Many people cannot imagine starting their day without a cup of coffee. The reason is that coffee may help boost dopamine production, which makes you feel good. Some studies also show that drinking at least four cups of coffee daily makes you 20% less susceptible to developing depression. Another study showed that people who drink coffee are less likely to attempt suicide.
2. It May Prevent Diabetes
There is some evidence suggesting that coffee drinkers are less likely to develop type-2 diabetes, especially compared to those who do not drink coffee at all. The benefit comes from many ingredients in coffee that lower blood sugar. What exactly causes this effect is not known, but researchers believe that caffeine is not the reason because decaffeinated coffee works better at lowering blood sugar levels. That could be due to the antioxidants found in coffee.
3. It May Help Burn Fat
There is a reason why caffeine is part of almost every fat burning supplement. It stimulates your nervous system and also aids fat burning. Some studies have found that caffeine can also help boost your metabolic rate by 3-11%, which will again help you lose weight more effectively. Is coffee good for you? Yes, it is because the caffeine in every cup of coffee can help burn fat and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
4. It May Boost Cardiovascular Health
A Harvard study shows that drinking at least 2 cups of coffee a day may help lower your risk of heart failure. Some studies suggest that individuals who drink four cups of coffee daily are 11% less likely to deal with heart failure. If you also include green tea in your routine, you will also have a lower risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Studies show that these effects are more prominent in women as compared to men.
5. It May Improve Physical Performance
Many pre-workout supplements also include caffeine, and that is mainly because there is some evidence suggesting that caffeine can improve physical performance. You get similar results when you drink coffee to increase your intake of caffeine. Caffeine is said to work by stimulating your central nervous system and promoting the breakdown of fat in your body. At the same time, caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline, which prepares your body for intense physical exertion. Some studies have actually found that caffeine can improve your physical performance by 11-12% on average. It implies that a strong cup of coffee about an hour before exercise can help you perform better in the gym.
6. It May Prevent Gallstones
Gallstones can be extremely painful, and that is the reason why you should take steps to prevent them in the first place. Is coffee good for you? Yes, it is because regular consumption will help lower your risk of developing gallstones. You may also want to include fish or whole wheat bread in your diet to stay healthy.
7. It May Lower Risk of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is probably the most common neurodegenerative disease and it often leads to dementia. Unfortunately, there is no cure available for Alzheimer's disease, which is why it is even more important to take preventive measures. One thing you can do is include coffee in your diet. Of course, you need to stay active as well and follow a good exercise program, but studies show that those who drink coffee are 65% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
8. It May Keep Your Liver Healthy
Your liver handles hundreds of functions in the body. So many diseases can affect its function and lead to several complications. You can also develop a serious condition called liver cirrhosis, which is characterized by the development of scar tissue. There is some evidence suggesting that coffee may lower your risk of cirrhosis; in fact, you can lower your risk by 80% if you drink four or more cups of coffee a day.
Moderation Is Key
Is coffee good for you? Yes, there are several benefits associated with coffee consumption, but you need to keep in mind that too much of anything is bad. Studies show that you can have up to 400mg of caffeine a day, which you can get from four cups of brewed coffee. A couple of energy shot drinks and 10 cans of cola will also provide you with the same amount. Keep in mind that different beverages may have a varying amount of caffeine in the blend.
It is important to ensure that children stay away from caffeine. They should avoid it altogether and never try to mix it with alcohol or other substances. Heavy caffeine use can lead to several side effects, even in healthy adults. It can cause irritability, headaches, jitteriness, increased heartbeat, and more. You should also avoid it if you are currently taking some medications. And it is better to avoid caffeine when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.