Gaby
Talk of coffee being dangerous is fading. Today, many medical professionals consider this aromatic drink not just an energy boost but also a protector against serious illnesses.
Recent studies have identified seven surprising health benefits of coffee.
Coffee Slows the Development of Depression
Spanish researchers analyzed data from 14,413 university graduates and found that coffee helped reduce depressive symptoms. They found that drinking between one and four cups daily was associated with the biggest benefit.
Experts say caffeine blocks brain chemicals that contribute to both fatigue and feelings of depression.
Coffee Supports Liver Health
This morning pick-me-up also appears to protect the liver. Researchers found an association between coffee consumption and a lower risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or cancer.
Scientists at the University of Coimbra in Portugal enlisted 156 middle-aged volunteers, many of whom were overweight and had type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that participants who drank more coffee tended to have healthier livers, and higher coffee intake was associated with reduced liver fat.
Coffee Aids in Weight Loss
A morning cup of coffee may help maintain a healthy weight, according to the Daily Mail. Experts explain that the beverage can speed up metabolism and promote fat burning.
A study from King’s College London found that 100 mg of caffeine (about what’s in a typical cup) increased resting metabolic rate by roughly 10 percent, suggesting caffeine can contribute to weight loss.
Other recent studies have found that women who drink coffee tend to be slimmer.
Coffee Benefits Heart Health
When consumed in moderation, coffee can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Many studies point to three to five cups a day as an ideal range for heart benefits.
A 2022 review by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) found that drinking three cups a day was linked to a reduced risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and atrial fibrillation.
Professor Kjeld Hermansen of Aarhus University in Denmark says moderate coffee consumption is linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease and to increased longevity.
Coffee Enhances Athletic Performance
Evidence suggests caffeine can boost endurance and improve the effectiveness of high-intensity workouts.
Dr. Neil Clarke of Coventry University says coffee can improve athletic performance, especially in sports like tennis and soccer, because caffeine sharpens attention and alertness.
Coffee Supports Brain Function
Some research suggests coffee consumption lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
A pooled analysis of 11 observational studies involving more than 29,000 people showed that regular coffee drinkers had lower odds of memory problems. Other studies suggest caffeine may protect against Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Giuseppe Grosso of the University of Catania says coffee’s anti-inflammatory properties may benefit the brain.
Coffee Protects Against Type 2 Diabetes
In a study published in BMJ Medicine, British researchers examined how quickly people metabolize caffeine, analyzing health data from about 800,000 volunteers.
They found that participants who metabolized caffeine more slowly had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Dipender Gill, the study’s lead author at Imperial College London, noted that caffeine consumption was associated with lower body mass index and less body fat, which could help reduce diabetes risk.
