For many of us, the day starts with a great cup of coffee. Known to boost energy and promote focus, its energizing nature is part of what makes this drink a staple for many people. Of course, thanks to its high caffeine content, coffee can help us to fight fatigue and boost our energy levels. One small study found that caffeine can increase our energy thresholds and the time it takes us to become exhausted during intense physical or mental work.
Despite this, there’s some question about whether or not it’s healthy for us. Don’t worry, though; unlike many of the treats that we enjoy, coffee seems to be scientifically beneficial for our health and wellbeing, as well as being tasty and invigorating.
So, if you rely on your morning cup of joe to get you going, rest easy in knowing that five important health benefits have been linked to coffee by scientific study and research.
6 Possible Benefits of Your Morning Cup of Coffee
Ongoing research frequently highlights potential risks and benefits associated with certain foods. The humble cup of coffee is one of the most often discussed items, thanks how packed with goodness coffee beans are. These are just six of the possible benefits of drinking a moderate amount of coffee on a regular basis:
1. Could lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a serious health concern that can have negative and long-lasting impacts on health, wellbeing, and our quality of life. There is some research that suggests that drinking coffee on a regular basis can reduce your risk of developing this life-altering condition.
In fact, if you drink one cup of coffee per day, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes could be lowered by as much as 6%.
There are a number of reasons why this could be the case. First and foremost, coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can fight inflammation, reduce insulin resistance, and boost the metabolism. These are all key factors in the formation of type 2 diabetes. More than this, however, coffee has been linked to the beta cells in the pancreas and may help them to function better. This is important because the pancreas is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
2. May improve brain function and health
While there is no conclusive proof at the moment, promising research into the impact of coffee on the brain suggests that it may help to protect against certain degenerative disorders. Moderate coffee consumption on a regular basis can also lower the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline as we age!
Furthermore, a review of 13 studies found that people who consume caffeine on a regular basis have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as they age. There is also a possibility that moderate coffee consumption over a prolonged period could reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
3. Might your risk of depression
Depression is a major issue in the world right now. As people struggle with the rising cost of living and other concerns, mental health conditions are on the rise. While coffee cannot address situational causes of depression and anxiety, some studies have found that consuming a cup of coffee a day could lower your risk of depression by as much as 8%.
Furthermore, one study of more than 200,000 people found that those who drink coffee regularly had a generally lower risk of death by suicide (though there are many factors that can contribute to such a tragedy).
4. Could protect you against liver damage and disease
Coffee has many anti-inflammatory properties and is packed with antioxidants. This can have a beneficial impact on many aspects of health and wellbeing. A more interesting result of current research is the evidence that the more coffee a person drinks, the lower their risk of chronic liver disease is.
Interestingly, those who drink more coffee are also more likely to have low levels of liver stiffness. This is a factor used by health care professionals to assess fibrosis or the formation and severity of scar tissue in the liver.
5. Can promote a healthy heart
While excessive caffeine intake can have concerning implications for our blood pressure, and therefore our health, moderate coffee consumption may actually be good for the heart. A wealth of recent studies found that drinking more than one cup of coffee per day can be tied to reduced risk of heart diseases, heart failure, and strokes. This is particularly important right now, as heart disease remains one of the biggest killers worldwide.
6. Can help with weight management
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important steps we can take to promote overall health and wellbeing. However, there are many health conditions that can make it harder for people to manage their weight.
Recent research suggests that moderate coffee intake could help to manage weight as a part of a generally healthy lifestyle. This is partly because of the way that coffee can support gut health and alter fat storage within the body, but also because it promotes energy and can help people to be more active.
One study in particular has found that those who drink two cups of coffee per day were 17% more likely to meet exercise recommendations than those who drank one cup or less per day.
Coffee is More Than a Pleasant Treat
The bottom line is that your morning cup of coffee could be doing so much more than making you smile. Packed with rich micro nutrients and vitamins, coffee could help you to remain happy, healthy, and fit for longer, so long as you consume it in moderation.
In fact, if you add other health-promoting ingredients, such as nut milks to your coffee, you could supercharge the benefits. At HyTable, we offer a range of specialty coffees that will satisfy your caffeine craving, all while supporting your physical health and wellbeing. If there’s something special you want, all you have to do is ask. Our team is always here to help!