IS Coffee Good for You?

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National Coffee Day is celebrated on September 29th, which is the perfect excuse to brush up on the health benefits of this cup of java joy.

Before you start that coffee IV, remember that age-old quote: “everything in moderation,” and this rings true even for coffee. Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, and studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of serious diseases.

Caffeine is a stimulant that occurs naturally in coffee beans and cocoa beans. This delicious beverage also contains antioxidants which is why it can have a positive effect on your health.

What antioxidants are in coffee, and why does it matter?

This antioxidant found in coffee beans is available even after decaffeination. Cafestol acts as a bile acid modulator in the intestine. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory substance in the brain, and (decaffeinated) coffee may help improve memory.

Trigonelline

Trigoneline brings aroma to the coffee. The darker the roast the lesser trigonelline content will be found. Trigonelline partially degrades to form nicotinic acid or niacin (Vitamin B3) and pyridines.

Chlorogenic Acid (CGA) is a phenolic compound and is an antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory that helps curb fat accumulation and boost metabolism.

Melanoidin is the brown-colored, nitrogenous compound in coffee containing both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quinine is derived from the bark of a tropical evergreen plant often used in Malaria treatment. This antioxidant can be harmful in large quantities, but beans typically only have a small amount becoming more significant when coffee is roasted.

Caffeine

That’s right! Caffeine alone is an antioxidant helping to cure headaches, aid in losing weight, and preventing diabetes.

How can drinking coffee contribute to your health?

1. Coffee can help your body burn fat. Caffeine is in most fat-burning supplements on the market, and there’s a reason. It’s one of the few natural substances that has been proven to aid in fat-burning.
   
   
2. Increase alertness. Moderate caffeine intake helps you to focus and improves mental alertness.
   
   
3. Coffee may help protect against type 2 diabetes.
   
   
4. Some researchers found that coffee consumption may lower the risk of liver cancer.
   
   
5. When consuming around two 8-ounce servings of coffee a day, studies have suggested that it may protect against heart failure.
   
   
6. Coffee reduces the risk of cancers. Caffeine may prevent the development of basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of skin cancer.
   
   
7. Coffee brightens your mood and helps fight depression. Because coffee stimulates the central nervous system, it also boosts the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline; elevating your mood.

Caution

• Remember that all coffee is not created equal. Bad-quality coffee can have impurities in it that can cause headaches and sickness. Investing in high-quality coffee is a sure way to avoid the risk of overripe beans that turn toxic.
• Don’t drink too many cups in a day.
• Consult with your physician if you have high blood pressure. Sometimes it can increase blood pressure, although it can be safe in small amounts depending on your doctor’s advice.
• If you struggle with insomnia, you may want to take it easy on the coffee as it could disrupt sleep.

In conclusion, coffee overall has proven to be more healthful than harmful. Those who drink moderate amounts of coffee are more likely to reap health benefits than those who are downing 4-5 cups per day. So, listen to your body and keep a healthy relationship with caffeine.

If coffee is a vital part of your morning routine, you may want to check out our recent blog with tips to simplify the start to your day. Click here to check it out.