Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee

For many, coffee is a staple of daily life - a warm, fragrant ritual that ignites the day. Aside from its energising properties, coffee has been studied as a potential health boon. From enhancing cognition to promoting heart health, coffee is more than a caffeine fix.

Let's dig into some of the science-backed health benefits of drinking coffee - and why that daily brew could be better for your body than you think.

Disclaimer: All the information in this blog is from outside sources. The research is not affiliated with Stokes; we are just sharing this information. Please speak to a medical professional for more information about the health benefits of coffee. 

Antioxidants - Those at the Natural Source

In the modern diet, coffee is among the richest sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, a major contributor to ageing and chronic diseases. The beverage is rich in polyphenols and hydrocinnamic acids, which help neutralise oxidative stress, which can damage cells within the body.

Studies indicate that many people obtain more antioxidants from coffee than from the fruits and vegetables they eat! This means coffee is a powerhouse of cellular protection and general health. 

Coffee and Brain Health: Improved Cognition, Lower Disease Risk

Improved Cognitive Function

Caffeine is the primary ingredient in coffee and is a natural stimulant that boosts brain function. It does this by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter which encourages relaxation and drowsiness. In doing so, caffeine enhances alertness, focus, and reaction times. And that is why that morning brew feels like a boost to the grey matter. 

Lower Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Long-term coffee drinking has been associated with reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Research suggests that caffeine helps protect brain cells by decreasing inflammation and preventing the accumulation of toxic proteins linked to these diseases.

Coffee and Heart Health

There has long been much discussion about coffee's effect on heart health. Whereas over-consuming may cause a short-term rise in blood pressure, moderate coffee intake (3-4 cups per day) has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. 

Reduced Stroke and Heart Failure Risk

A large review published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that people who drank moderate amounts of coffee had a lower risk of stroke and heart failure than those who didn't drink coffee. The protective effect is thanks to coffee's ability to boost blood vessel function, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. 

Cholesterol and Coffee

Unfiltered coffee contains compounds that can increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Filtered coffee greatly decreases these substances, making it the better option for anyone worried about cholesterol. 

Coffee: Nature's Fat Burner, Fat Burning Machine, Fat Burning Beverage

Caffeine has been found in several studies to increase fat burning and boost metabolic rate, on average 10% in overweight individuals and up to 29% in lean individuals. For this reason, coffee works great as a pre-workout drink, improving endurance and performance. (Source: International Journal of Obesity, 2018)

Reducing the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Regular coffee, on the other hand, has been connected to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. One review of 18 studies suggested that every cup of coffee taken daily corresponded with about a 7% lower risk for Type 2 diabetes. This is probably from coffee's ability to enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. 

Coffee and Liver Health

Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body, detoxifying substances and regulating metabolism. The good news? Coffee appears to be a liver-friendly drink.

Lower Risk of Liver Disease

Research shows that coffee drinkers are at a lower risk of liver cirrhosis, especially that induced by alcohol consumption. One study found that four or more cups per day may reduce the risk of liver disease by as much as 80%. 

Guard against Liver Cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour and a leading cause of cancer death globally. Luckily, studies have indicated regular consumption of coffee may help reduce one's risk of developing liver cancer by 40% to 50%.

Mood Booster: The Effects of Coffee on Mental Readiness

Lower Risk of Depression

Coffee isn't just for a pick-me-up - it may also help mental health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of depression, while some research has suggested that the risk is reduced by as much as 20%. Caffeine is known for its stimulating effect, and it helps stimulate the increase of dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with happiness and well-being. 

And intriguingly, another study from Harvard University even found that those who drank 2-4 cups of coffee a day had a 50% lower likelihood of suicide than a control group that did not drink coffee. Coffee should not be seen as a substitute for mental health treatment. However, these results indicated a small but positive effect of coffee consumption on mood regulation. 

Does Coffee Help You Live Longer?

With all these health benefits, it's no wonder that coffee drinkers generally have longer lives. Research has shown that coffee drinkers have a reduced risk of dying young from a host of reasons, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even certain cancers.

Another study from the New England Journal of Medicine found that men and women who drank coffee daily had a lower mortality rate than non-coffee drinkers. 

THE DOWNSIDES OF COFFEE?

Coffee is good for you, but like anything, you can have too much of a good thing, so coffee is best consumed in moderation.

Excess amounts of caffeine can lead to anxiety, jitters, and sleep problems. If you are sensitive to caffeine, it's a good idea not to have coffee late in the day.

Sometimes, the stomach gets irritated by acidic coffee. Those with acid reflux should use low-acid coffee blends.

Unfiltered coffee (like espresso) can raise cholesterol. If cholesterol is an issue, use paper-filtered brewing methods.

To Drink Coffee or Not to Drink Coffee?

Absolutely! When enjoyed in moderation, coffee is one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. Loaded with antioxidants, brain-boosting compounds, and heart-protective benefits, it's more than just a morning pick-me-up.

Consume it mindfully - without too much sugar or unseemly creamers to reap the benefits.

So, go ahead and taste the difference with STOKES Coffee, where we believe in brewing quality coffee that works for your health!