Coffee Counseling: 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Your Cup of Joe

For years, there have been mixed messages about how coffee affects us both behaviorally and biologically. Now, more and more research suggests that there are several health benefits to drinking coffee. Like any food or beverage, however, coffee should be consumed in moderation. There are a few drawbacks to the consumption of coffee, but the benefits far outweigh the risks. The research shows that there are some notable differences between coffee-drinkers and non-coffee drinkers, in terms of health risks and effects on lifestyle choices. If you are a coffee lover, some of the health benefits of coffee consumption may really surprise you.

1. Disease prevention

Some of the most serious diseases can be prevented, regardless of gender, weight, or geographic location. One of these diseases is diabetes. The reason why coffee drinkers have a lower risk of diabetes has only been found recently. The compounds found in coffee block the toxic accumulation of protein linked with an increased risk of diabetes. Quite surprisingly, the caffeine content of coffee also protects brain cells from nervous system disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia, and in turn, keeps your memory sharp. While coffee doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of getting the aforementioned diseases, it certainly does reduce or slow it. The amount of antioxidants could also help prevent liver disease.

2. Weight Loss

The caffeine in coffee may also assist in weight loss. It helps reduce your appetite, boost your metabolism, and in turn, can stimulate calorie and fat burning. Since caffeine is a stimulant, we all know that it also gives your energy a jolt, not only in mental tasks, but also in physical tasks, like exercise. The more alert you are, the more energy you have to sustain a vigorous workout routine.

3. Boost Brainpower

When drowsiness kicks in, many of us reach for a cup of hot coffee. As we previously mentioned, caffeine is a stimulant, which increases your alertness, and it has also been found to improve your brain’s ability to form new memories. It enhances blood flow to the brain, and it also triggers the “happiness” chemicals in the brain, which naturally makes you feel good. 

4. Reduce Stress

Simply smelling coffee has recently been found to relax the mind and promote calmness. The caffeine in coffee stimulates your nervous system in a way that really lightens your mood, and coffee drinkers have shown to even have a lower risk of depression. In the case of drinking coffee to relieve stress, it is imperative to drink in small amounts, as drinking too much coffee could actually induce anxiety.

5. Good Source of Antioxidants

Coffee has been found to be the number one source of antioxidants in the United States, much more than any other dietary source. Antioxidants are beneficial in that they protect against heart disease and certain cancers. These are generally found in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Be sure to try organic coffee for extra added benefit!

For the most part - besides being delicious, of course - coffee can be quite nutritious. You can only enjoy these particular health benefits if you consume coffee in moderation. If you are looking for a fresh selection of unique coffee blends, make your coffee experience memorable with CoffeeAM.