Is coffee actually good for you? This seems to be an ever-present question nowadays. From college students pulling a caffeine-fueled all-nighter to working professionals pouring their fourth cup on a Monday morning, our world largely revolves around our favorite brown beverage. Not convinced? Just take a peek into a Starbucks at approximately 8 a.m. to see for yourself how addicted we really are. But does our cup of joe really help us do anything but get a little morning buzz? The good news for all you coffee addicts out there is, it seems so. Here are some ways drinking coffee is good for you.
Coffee may lower your risk of heart problems.
People who consume a moderate amount (three to five cups) a day are at the lowest risk for cardiovascular problems. These findings, from a meta-analysis of 36 studies that looked at long-term coffee consumption, also found that people who consumed five or more cups a day had no increased risk of heart problems compared to people who drank no coffee.
This same survey found that coffee consumption needed to reach around 10 cups per day before any negatives outcomes were seen.
Coffee does not increase your cancer risk.
This has perhaps been one of the longest-standing concerns about coffee, but it appears that coffee consumption might actually correlate to lower cancer risk. The same meta-analysis I talked about before found that those who increased coffee consumption by two cups per day saw a 40% decrease in risk for liver cancer.
Coffee may decrease the risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Regular coffee consumption was found to be associated with a decreased risk for Type 2 diabetes in a 2005 systematic review. Interestingly, those with the lowest risk drank around six or seven cups a day (so go ahead, people, order that venti!).
Coffee may help fight off depression.
The National Institute of Health conducted a study that found people who drink at least four cups of coffee a day were less likely to be depressed – by 10%!
Coffee may provide a boost for your workout.
Various studies have found that drinking coffee before you exercise can be beneficial. From improving circulation to boosting your memory, coffee has a whole list of benefits. Plus, you know, it gives you the energy to get your butt to the gym and all.
Coffee turns you into a functional human being! (My personal favorite…)
Now, this is from my own personal experience and I’m sure you can relate – no study needed. Coffee turns you from zombie to pleasant person in the morning. It helps you stay awake to study for that midterm. It keeps you chipper at work. It warms you up on a cold day, or cools you down when it’s hot (yay for iced coffee!). Plus, it’s delicious!!So there you have it, fellow coffee addicts. Don’t stress over your consumption habits – grab another cup and drink up the health benefits!
Disclaimer: these health benefits are for black coffee. Your venti pumpkin spice frappuccino with whip? Not so much, unfortunately.
Featured image via Burst on Pexels
PREACH coffee is life
Agreed, B! Thanks for reading!
So true, I’m a total zombie with coffee!
So am I, Marian. Thank God it’s actually good for us!
this is exactly what i needed to make myself feel less guilty
It’s the perfect way to justify our coffee addictions…knowing that it’s actually healthy!