6 Health Benefits Of Drinking Coffee

When you drink coffee, you may not have your health in mind. Instead, you likely use your daily cup of joe to boost energy levels.

Yet, coffee does improve your overall health and well-being. While the caffeine in coffee gives you a jolt each morning, the beverage also contains substances that help prevent certain diseases. So if any of your health-conscious friends are wary of attending a coffee tasting event, tell them about these benefits of java.

1. Reduced Risk of Diabetes

Multiple studies have found that coffee reduces your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. In 2014, a team at Harvard University concluded that those who drank one additional cup of coffee per day had a lower risk of diabetes compared to those who made no changes to their coffee consumption. Similarly, researchers have found that those who drink at least four cups of coffee daily are less likely to develop diabetes than those who drink less than two cups per day.

There are several possible reasons for this link. For example, coffee contains antioxidants that limit tissue damage. It also provides you with chromium and magnesium, which help the body utilize insulin.

2. Lower Risk of Cancer

Dark roast coffee reduces damage to your DNA strands. This damage could lead to tumors and cancer. There is also research specifically relating coffee consumption to a lower risk of colon cancer in women.

The positive effects may be even more pronounced for coffee addicts. For instance, older adults who regularly drink at least four cups of coffee per day are 50 percent less likely to die from upper throat or mouth cancer.

3. Healthier Liver

A malfunctioning liver can lead to all sorts of problems. Luckily, both decaf and traditional coffee may keep your liver functioning as it should. Studies indicate that those who drink coffee are more likely to have healthy levels of liver enzymes compared to those who do not consume coffee. What’s more, coffee consumption could lead to decreased risks of liver cancer and cirrhosis.

4. Stronger Heart

Heart failure occurs when this organ is too weak to pump enough blood throughout your body. Luckily, drinking just one or two cups of coffee per day could prevent this disease.

Coffee consumption could also reduce your risk of developing certain conditions that often lead to strokes and heart attacks. One of these conditions is type 2 diabetes.

In addition, an abnormal heart rhythm puts you at increased risk of myocardial infarction. For instance, one study found that those who consume one to three daily cups of coffee have a lower chance of being hospitalized for arrhythmia.

5. Improved Mental Health

Do you feel a bit happier and less grumpy after you drink coffee? It may not be a coincidence. Some research shows that coffee may help prevent depression. In fact, downing at least four cups each day could significantly reduce your depression risk. A study also found that drinking two or three cups of caffeinated coffee per day makes you 45 percent less likely to commit suicide.

6. Decreased Cognitive Decline

If you want your brain to remain strong as you age, consider adding more coffee into your diet. Regular caffeine consumption may slow down cognitive decline. So, by the time you reach your 40s and 50s, you should drink three to five cups of caffeinated coffee per day. This could greatly lower your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease once you reach your 70s.

As you can see, coffee not only keeps you awake for your early-morning classes or meetings. Your daily caffeine fix may also keep you healthy and help you live longer.

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