Perk Up: The Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee

Coffee The Surprising Health Benefits

To get this inspirational mug click here

Coffee, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the world, has long been a subject of fascination among researchers and health enthusiasts. Beyond its delightful aroma and energizing effects, coffee offers a range of surprising health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore how that morning cup of joe can positively impact your well-being.

Why is it good for you now? Well, I found that there have been many studies conducted over many years that are geared specifically toward coffee. I did not realize that coffee is one of the most studied dietary products. Wild, huh?

In one of the more recent studies, it was found that there are benefits to coffee consumption, but there is a limit before the number of cups becomes detrimental. So let’s take a journey and find out about coffee and the benefits and just how much you can have before it starts to become unhealthy.

What Are the Benefits?

Essential Nutrients

Most of us believe that when something is cooked or roasted that most of the nutrients are cooked out. Fortunately, even when coffee beans are roasted, some of the essential nutrients are preserved. Some of these nutrients give great health benefits.

A single cup of coffee contains (1):

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 11% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI).  Riboflavin is a vitamin that the body needs for growth and your overall good health. The body uses it to help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats to produce energy, and it allows oxygen to be used by the body.
• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5): 6% of the RDI. “Pantothenic acid is one of the most important vitamins for human life. It’s necessary for making blood cells, and it helps you convert the food you eat into energy. Vitamin B5 is one of eight B vitamins. All B vitamins help you convert the protein, carbohydrates, and fats you eat into energy.” (2)
• Manganese and potassium: 3% of the RDI. Manganese is important for bone health. That is important for people as we grow older. When we age, we are more likely to suffer a break. While manganese is important for our bones, so is exercise. “Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals. What’s more, a high-potassium diet may help reduce blood pressure and water retention, protect against stroke and prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.” (3)
• Magnesium and niacin (vitamin B3): 2% of the RDI. Magnesium “can help prevent or treat chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and migraine.” (4) Niacin is made by the body although people supplement this vitamin as well. It turns food into energy and helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy.

May Protect Your Liver

The liver is the filter for everything in your body. That’s why it is important to keep this organ healthy. One disease that can devastate your liver is cirrhosis.  It has been found that coffee may protect against cirrhosis — people who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk (5).

It Does Not Cause Heart Disease

There is a misconception that drinking coffee can cause heart disease. I used to think that as well, but while I was researching coffee, I found that coffee may cause mild increases in blood pressure. Fortunately, the small spike in pressure lowers fairly quickly. Another thing I found is that coffee drinkers do not have an increased risk of heart disease, and they have a slightly lower risk of stroke. Both are positive points for coffee drinkers.

Antioxidant

Let’s face it, most of our diets are not very good… especially a Western diet. We eat a lot of junk. Chips, fast food, sweets – you get the picture. With that said, antioxidants are an important part of our diet. Here’s where coffee is a good thing. Coffee is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the Western diet. Antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid, quinines, and polyphenols, help combat oxidative stress, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. This antioxidant prowess may contribute to various health benefits: “Studies show that many people get more antioxidants from coffee than from fruits and vegetables combined”.

Can Make You Happier

We all go through times when we feel sad or even depressed. Some studies have shown that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing depression and a reduced risk of suicide. That is good news for us coffee drinkers!

Improved Cognitive Function

Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee, can enhance alertness, concentration, and cognitive function. It stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve mood and mental clarity.

Reduced Risk of Neurological Disorders

Research suggests that coffee consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The exact mechanisms behind this protection are still being studied, but coffee’s impact on brain health is promising.

Can Help You Live Longer

When you look back at the benefits of coffee, it seems like coffee drinkers are less likely to get many diseases. If you are less likely to get diseases, then it would be logical to see that coffee could help you to live longer.

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Have you heard that old saying, “too much of a good thing”?  I love coffee. It is my get up and go. I start my day with a good cup of joe. On the weekends, it gives me that extra boost I need for my workout. I typically have 3 or 4 cups a day.

I found through my reading that more than 5 or 6 cups a day can start to have a negative effect on your body – particularly your blood pressure. So be sure to not overdo it. Another thing that people do that negates the benefits is doctoring it up.

What do I mean by doctoring it up? Think about that caramel macchiato that you might get at Starbucks. You can add so much sugar, artificial sweeteners, cream, etc that it is no longer a healthy antioxidant drink, but a junk food.

A big lesson I have learned is to not drink coffee a few hours before bed. I am sure you know why. Yep – no sleep! The caffeine keeps me up.

If caffeine is a problem for you, then decaf coffee has many of the same benefits as the caffeinated kind.

And if you are wondering how do I brew my coffee, I use a Keurig coffee maker. I have had it for about 3 years now, and I am able to brew some great coffee. I also have a standard coffee maker that I use when I like to use whole coffee beans that I grind myself.

There is a huge difference in the taste of the coffee depending on the way you make it. It all boils down to what you prefer.  I would give my Keurig 4 stars for ease of use. My Ninja coffee maker allows me to control the strength of my coffee but it takes more time especially when you grind your own beans. I will leave the choice up to you. 

So there you have it. Go grab that cup of joe!

Please follow and like us: