12 Reasons to drink (the right amount of) coffee
06/17/2020 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
12 Reasons to drink (the right amount of) coffee

It’s difficult to imagine a world without coffee. For a lot of coffee drinkers out there, there’s nothing quite like the rich taste of roasted coffee beans and the energizing jolt of caffeine to start the morning with.

That said, coffee has been the subject of much debate. Some healthcare professionals warn against the harmful effects of coffee, such as insomnia, indigestion, high blood pressure and an increased heart rate.

Health benefits of drinking coffee

There is a grain of truth to most arguments against coffee consumption, but this doesn’t mean that coffee itself is bad. Instead, the problem starts once a person starts drinking too much coffee.

For this reason, experts and dietitians underscore the importance of moderate coffee consumption as there are incredible science-backed health benefits to drinking a cup of joe in the morning. Here are some of them:

Reduces the effects of sleep deprivation

For most people, coffee is an indispensable component of breakfast. Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea and cacao, does a great job at waking up brain cells. It also helps fight the effects of sleep deprivation.

Enhances the restorative effects of power naps

Studies found that drinking a cup of coffee before taking a 20-minute nap boosts the nap’s restorative effects.

Combats breast cancer cells

According to a 2015 research article published in Clinical Cancer Research, moderate to high coffee consumption is linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer. Coffee’s caffeine and caffeic acid also suppress the proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Supports skin health

Studies suggest that organic compounds in coffee beans support skin health. Caffeic acid, for instance, helps boost collagen production in the skin and inhibits premature aging of skin cells. You can also use ground coffee beans as a chemical-free facial scrub.

Boosts metabolism

Coffee isn’t as good as exercise when it comes to boosting metabolism, but it does get the job done. Coffee is also a natural diuretic, so drinking a cup or two can help flush out a bit of that water weight.

Prevents mental decline

Coffee is a great source of antioxidants. In fact, it has more potent antioxidant properties than green tea, one of the healthiest drinks out there. These antioxidants protect the brain from inflammation that can trigger the onset of dementia.

Stimulates hair growth

Studies suggest that massaging coffee grounds into the scalp help nourish the follicles, strengthening them against hair loss. Coffee also makes hair smoother and shinier.

Protects against macular degeneration

Studies found that moderate caffeine consumption has beneficial effects on the eyes. For one thing, antioxidants in coffee protect the eyes from retinal damage that can lead to macular degeneration and, in rare cases, blindness.

Enhances exercise performance

Drinking a cup of coffee before a quick workout session strengthens muscle contraction and reduces pain perception for better endurance.

Reduces the risk of skin cancer

A recent review published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention found that caffeinated coffee has chemopreventive effects against basal cell carcinoma, a kind of skin cancer that attacks parts of the skin that get the most sun.

Supports heart health

Coffee’s antioxidant effects protect the heart from clogged and stiff arteries due to high cholesterol.

Curbs depression

Multiple studies have drawn an inverse relationship between coffee consumption and depression. In other words, people who drink coffee more often tend to have a lower risk of depression compared to those who don’t. Experts speculate that caffeine might be stimulating neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood.

To enjoy the health benefits of coffee, make sure that it’s not full of sugar or artificial sweeteners. Stick to organic coffee beans and hold off on the extra sugar.

Read more articles about the health benefits of coffee and other caffeinated drinks at Nutrients.news.

Sources:

GoodHousekeeping.com

ClinCancerRes.AACRJournals.org

PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

100% Fresh Food News, Right at Your Fingertips!
Find out everything you need to know about clean and healthy eating when you sign up for our FREE email newsletter. Receive the latest news on all the top superfoods, recipes, natural remedies, diets, food tips, and more!
Your privacy is protected. Subscription confirmation required.

Related Articles
Comments
comments powered by Disqus

100% Fresh Food News, Right at Your Fingertips!
Find out everything you need to know about clean and healthy eating when you sign up for our FREE email newsletter. Receive the latest news on all the top superfoods, recipes, natural remedies, diets, food tips, and more!
Your privacy is protected. Subscription confirmation required.

Popular articles