Conversations about the dangers of coffee are a thing of the past. Today, medical professionals are convinced that this aromatic beverage not only boosts energy but also protects the body from serious illnesses.
Recent studies have uncovered seven health benefits of coffee that may come as a surprise to some.
Coffee Slows the Development of Depression
Spanish researchers analyzed data from 14,413 university graduates and found that coffee helps combat depressive states. To reap these benefits, one should drink between one to four cups of coffee daily.
Experts explain this phenomenon by noting that caffeine blocks chemicals in the brain responsible not only for fatigue but also for feelings of depression.
Coffee Supports Liver Health
It turns out that this morning pick-me-up also protects the liver. Researchers discovered a link between coffee consumption and the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even cancer.
Scientists from the University of Coimbra in Portugal involved 156 middle-aged volunteers in their new study. All participants were on the verge of obesity, with many suffering from type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that those who drank more coffee had healthier livers. Moreover, coffee consumption significantly impacted the reduction of liver fat.
Coffee Aids in Weight Loss
It appears that a morning cup of coffee helps maintain a healthy weight, according to the Daily Mail. Medical professionals explain that this beloved beverage speeds up metabolism and burns fat.
A study from King’s College London showed that just 100 mg of caffeine (approximately what’s found in a standard cup of coffee) increases resting metabolic rate by an average of 10 percent. This led scientists to suggest that caffeine may contribute to weight loss.
Other recent studies have shown that women who drink coffee tend to be slimmer.
Coffee Benefits Heart Health
When consumed in moderation, coffee can protect against cardiovascular diseases. Researchers consider three to five cups a day to be the ideal amount for heart health.
According to a 2022 review by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC), drinking three cups a day can reduce the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and atrial fibrillation.
Professor Kjeld Hermansen from Aarhus University in Denmark believes that moderate coffee consumption is linked not only to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases but also to increased longevity.
Coffee Enhances Athletic Performance
Experts suggest that caffeine consumption boosts endurance and enhances the effectiveness of high-intensity workouts.
Dr. Neil Clarke from Coventry University in the UK states that coffee can improve athletic performance, particularly in sports like tennis and soccer. This effect is possible because caffeine positively influences cognitive functions such as attention and alertness.
Coffee Supports Brain Function
Researchers assert that coffee consumption lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
An analysis of 11 observational studies involving over 29,000 individuals showed that regular coffee consumption reduces the likelihood of memory problems. Scientists also believe that caffeine protects against Parkinson’s disease.
According to Professor Giuseppe Grosso from the University of Catania, coffee may benefit the brain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Coffee Protects Against Type 2 Diabetes
In a study published in BMJ Medicine, British scientists investigated how quickly the human body metabolizes caffeine. For their analysis, they used health data from approximately 800,000 volunteers.
It turned out that participants whose bodies broke down caffeine more slowly were at a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Dipender Gill, the lead author of the study from Imperial College London, noted that caffeine consumption may be associated with a lower body mass index and less body fat, leading to a reduced likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.