Get 20% off 2 or more full priced Baxters or Wellbeing products! Add another full priced item below and a 20% discount will be applied to your overall order at checkout. That's right, 20% OFF your order!
Choose a category
9 Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee
21.01.24
Coffee isn't just about giving you a morning energy boost; it offers a plethora of potential health benefits that might surprise you. From lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes and depression to supporting weight management and even extending your lifespan, coffee has a lot to offer. However, it's essential to keep in mind that experts advise limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy and while nursing.
Coffee, the beloved beverage known for its ability to sharpen focus and increase energy levels, has become a daily ritual for many. It's that magical elixir many rely on to kickstart their day on the right note.
Apart from its well-known energy-boosting effects, coffee has been associated with a myriad of health advantages, giving you even more reasons to savour that cup of joe.
We delve deep into nine evidence-based benefits of coffee:
1/ Enhanced Energy Levels
Coffee, thanks to its caffeine content, acts as a central nervous system stimulant renowned for its ability to combat fatigue and elevate energy levels. Caffeine achieves this by blocking the receptors of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that induces sleepiness.
Consequently, it boosts the levels of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which regulate energy. Studies have shown that caffeine consumption can increase endurance during physical activities and reduce feelings of fatigue.
2/ Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Emerging research suggests that regular coffee consumption may be linked to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long run. A review of 30 studies revealed that each cup of coffee consumed per day was associated with a 6% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Coffee appears to preserve the function of pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin production, while its rich antioxidant content can impact insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism – all factors in type 2 diabetes development.
3/ Cognitive Health Support
While studies have yielded mixed results, there's evidence to suggest that coffee may protect against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. A review of 13 studies showed that regular caffeine consumption significantly lowered the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and slowed its progression.
Other research indicated that higher coffee intake correlated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Furthermore, other studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption might be associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
4/ Weight Management
According to some research, Coffee might play a role in weight management by influencing fat storage and promoting gut health.
One review of 12 studies found that increased coffee consumption, especially among men, was linked to reduced body fat. Similarly, women who consumed more coffee exhibited lower body fat levels.
Another study revealed that individuals who drank one to two cups of coffee per day were 17% more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels.
5/ Decreased Risk of Depression
Several studies suggest that coffee consumption may be linked to a lower risk of depression. One review of seven studies found that each daily cup of coffee was associated with an 8% reduction in the risk of depression.
Additionally, drinking at least four cups daily was significantly linked to a lower risk of depression compared to consuming just one cup. Interestingly, a study involving over 200,000 individuals revealed that coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of suicide.
6/ Liver Health Benefits
Remarkably, several studies indicate that coffee can support liver health and protect against diseases. For instance, individuals with liver disease who consumed more than two cups of coffee per day had lower rates of liver scarring and liver cancer.
The risk of death from chronic liver disease decreased with higher coffee consumption, with a 71% lower risk for those drinking four cups daily. Recent research also showed that coffee consumption was linked to decreased liver stiffness, a measure of fibrosis in the liver.
7/ Supports Heart Health
Some research suggests that coffee consumption may benefit heart health.
A review found that drinking three to five cups of coffee daily was associated with a 15% reduced risk of heart disease. Another review of 21 studies revealed a 21% lower risk of stroke associated with daily consumption of three to four cups of coffee. Additionally, increased coffee intake was linked to a significantly lower risk of heart failure.
It's important to note that caffeine can affect blood pressure, so individuals with uncontrolled blood pressure may need to moderate their caffeine intake.
8/ Potential for Increased Longevity
Research hints that coffee might contribute to a longer life, thanks to its myriad of potential health benefits.
A review of 40 studies concluded that consuming two to four cups of coffee daily was linked to a lower risk of death, regardless of factors like age, weight, or alcohol consumption. Another study found that caffeinated coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of death after 12 and 18 years of follow-up, even lowering the risk of death from cancer.
9/ Athletic Performance Enhancement
Athletes often turn to coffee as an ergogenic aid, a performance enhancer, to improve their endurance and energy levels.
A review of nine studies reported that consuming coffee before exercise increased endurance and decreased perceived exertion compared to a control group . Another study involving older adults found that coffee consumption improved physical performance and gait speed. Additionally, moderate caffeine intake was found to slightly enhance power output and time-trial completion time, although effects varied among individuals.
Coffee has been extensively studied for its numerous health benefits, including increased energy levels, support for weight management, enhanced athletic performance, and protection against chronic diseases. While some individuals, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and those with specific health conditions, may need to limit their intake, moderate coffee consumption, typically around three to four cups per day, is generally considered safe and offers several health advantages for most adults.
YOUR BAG
