Coffee, almost all of us look forward to that fresh, mouth-watering cup of coffee to fuel our energy and get us ready for the day. For me, the first thing I think about when my feet hit the floor, is walking out to the kitchen and pouring my (cold) coffee over a cup of ice followed by sweetener. While many of us look forward to this simple routine, there are also some added benefits with every sip. This is the coffee fan bible. Here are 10 benefits to drinking coffee that you didn’t know!
Okay, okay, this may seem obvious. But really! Scientific research has proven that your senses are heightened, making you more aware and alert of your surroundings, which is, of course, everyone’s purpose for drinking coffee. Heres how: caffeine, is a drug. When caffeine, in this case, coffee, reaches the brain it blocks a neurotransmitter called adenosine. When adenosine is blocked, other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, are enhanced. So there you have it – not only will you beat that sluggish feeling, but you also will feel happier, research suggests. With each sip, comes more motivation to tackle the day.
Yes, you read that right- every cup of coffee you sip, you aid your body to burn fat while doing it! Coffee can boost your metabolic rate, by at least 3% and at most 11%, research has suggested. Ketone levels, found in the body are typically increased when coffee is ingested. Ketones within your body help burn body fat, give you energy and cut out cravings. While coffee does increase your metabolism, (rate in which your body turns calories into energy), it is important to remember that not all coffee is good for you. Meaning, a splash of milk, skim, almond milk or soy milk is great, but you may want to skip the extras if you are loading up on cream and sugar. An easy way to do this is trying a non-dairy creamer, (tastes the same, but healthier), and if you cannot live without sweetener, try something natural such as stevia.
While many of us may forget to take our vitamins and supplements, that’s okay – because you get liquid nutrients with every cup of coffee. (It’s really a secret gift.) Let’s get into the vitamins that coffee contains. First, Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2. Riboflavin is essential in reducing chronic pain such as migraines, and if you’re anything like me, coffee relieves headache pain. Riboflavin is also essential in maintaining your body’s energy. Next, equally as important, potassium. Potassium aids in reducing water retention, (typically known as that bloated feeling), prevents kidney stones and stroke. The next essential vitamin is magnesium. Magnesium has been known to fight depression symptoms, lower blood pressure, can help with type 2 diabetes, and decrease migraines. These are just a few of the vitamins and essential nutrients that coffee contains, that I hope are useful to many of you!
Depression is a mental illness that impacts millions of people’s quality of life in the U.S. If there is one proven natural relief for depression and sadness, it is coffee. In a 2011 study, research has indicated that women drinking more than 4 cups of coffee per day has a lower chance of being depressed than a woman who does not. Put simply, coffee can be your best friend.
Cancer is an awful disease that leaves millions of families dealing with sadness and loss of loved ones. While it may seem odd, coffee contains nutrients that may fight two types of cancer: liver and colorectal. According to research, coffee drinkers have a 40% lower chance of developing liver cancer than those who do not consume coffee. Likewise, those who drank between 4 and 5 cups of coffee a day, their chance of getting colorectal cancer decreased by 15 – 20%. Sit back, relax, and drink up. Coffee is loaded with cancer-fighting properties.
Similarly, with vitamin benefits, a single cup of coffee contains more antioxidants than any cup of grape juice, raspberries, or any other serving of fruit. See, the antioxidants are found directly from the coffee bean itself. The antioxidants in coffee may help with inflammation.
While many drinks and foods claim to expand life and longevity, it is a reality that coffee actually does. A 2008 study showed that women who drink coffee have a lower chance of developing and getting sick from heart disease, cancer, and leading causes of death. A study done in Japan has revealed that men who consume coffee frequently or on a regular basis, have a 24% chance less of dying early than those who do not consume coffee daily. This benefit may be the most important and essential – because, don’t we all want to live longer?
For athletes or any type of physical active person, this is essential. Coffee drinkers naturally aid in workout performance. In addition, a 2007 study reveals athletes who drank on average 2 cups of coffee can reduce the pain or muscle discomfort by 48%.
Now that we’ve covered nearly all of the physical/ mental benefits, there are also a number of benefits that coffee has relating to the skin. Vitamin B3, niacin, coffee are full of, and this dramatically can help lower the risk of skin cancer including melanoma.
Ah, last but not least. Acne, many of us in our late teens and throughout our twenties still suffer from acne, and the benefits of coffee should not go unnoticed. Coffee can help by reducing unhealthy bacteria on the skin, that contribute to acne and redness. Contents in the coffee bean contain anti-inflammatory properties, that reduce and prevent acne and related skin conditions. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your next cup of coffee!
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