Have you ever felt guilty for enjoying a cup of coffee (or two, or three) each morning? Although there are certainly drawbacks to drinking lots of caffeine and you should always follow your doctor’s advice first, coffee does offer many perks. Whether you prefer an iced latté, a creamy cappuccino, or plain black coffee, scroll down to explore the health benefits of coffee.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Linked with Lower Risk of Mortality
According to a 10-year Spanish study, adults who drank four cups of coffee per day had a 64 percent lower risk of dying. This link was strongest for those over the age of 45. But don’t worry – you don’t have to drink four cups of coffee a day to enjoy this benefit. The research revealed that “overall, every two cups of coffee people consumed per day was associated with a 22 percent lower risk of death over 10 years.” Two other studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine also connected coffee consumption with reduced mortality risk. Although experts aren’t sure why this connection exists, they believe it could be related to several bioactive compounds found in coffee (including an anti-inflammatory compound).
May Delay the Onset of Alzheimer’s
According to Alzheimers.net, studies have revealed that caffeine can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by blocking inflammation in the brain that can lead to cognitive decline. This is even true for seniors who already suffer from mild dementia. So if you experience modest memory impairment or worry that you may develop Alzheimer’s in the future, consider drinking a moderate amount (about 3 cups) of coffee each day.
May Prevent Several Concerning Diseases
Research shows that by simply drinking a cup of joe, you may be able to prevent or lower your risk of developing certain health conditions like stroke, some forms of cancer (including oral cancers), Parkinson’s, dementia, and more. Why? Part of the reason coffee boasts so many benefits is that it’s made of seeds – coffee beans – that are packed with protective compounds. However, experts can’t explain all of the health benefits of coffee. Some of the benefits have more to do with caffeine than coffee specifically, and most of them reveal only correlations, not causations.
May Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
Whether you prefer decaf or caffeinated coffee, studies around the world have revealed that high consumption of coffee is linked with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That said, coffee can also raise blood sugar levels in the short term. Consider drinking decaf, which affects blood sugar less.
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Ultimately, the health benefits of coffee are not strong enough that you should suddenly begin drinking more coffee than usual. There are also drawbacks to increased coffee intake, including increased anxiety, difficulty falling or staying asleep, stomach issues, and more. But if you already drink coffee, your next cup may taste even better now that you know some of the positive effects of drinking coffee.
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