The Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee
The UK is full of coffee lovers. From a creamy latte to a strong espresso, we love it all. Coffee is often enjoyed for its flavour and energy boost, but there are a few other health benefits that coffee can bring too.
Let’s take a look at why you should treasure your morning coffee even more than you already do!
Boosts physical and mental energy
It is well known that coffee contains a powerful stimulant called caffeine. Once ingested, caffeine works by blocking the effects of a chemical called adenosine. This is the chemical in your brain which is responsible for sleep. As a result, you feel more alert and awake after your morning cup.
Caffeine is also a favourite of fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes. The chemical stimulates the nervous system, leading to increased focus and energy levels.
It is worth noting that caffeine, whilst beneficial in small doses, should not be consumed in excess. Keep an eye on your health and if you start noticing symptoms such as heart palpitations then cut down your caffeine intake. Remember that coffee isn’t the only culprit, fizzy drinks and energy drinks also contain caffeine.
Rich in antioxidants
Coffee is rich in antioxidants which help to protect against free radicals in your body. These free radicals can damage your DNA and protein molecules if left unchecked.
Coffee is rich in specific antioxidants such as hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols which specialise in neutralising free radicals and preventing oxidative stress. This can cause an increased risk for serious diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart conditions.
Supports brain health
In the past few years, studies have been conducted into the effects of coffee on the brain. Coffee has thousands of different compounds, so there are still unknowns when it comes to its effect on the human body.
Recent studies, though, have found that coffee may lower the risk of neurodegeneration. As well as the short-term benefits of alertness, focus and improved mood, it may be there are long-term benefits too. Coffee may help to protect the brain against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
A study conducted in 2022 suggests that regular and moderate coffee consumption may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 65%, though the correlation is still being studied in depth.
Benefits for liver health
Worldwide, liver disease is a deadly killer with 2 million deaths attributed to a liver-related illness annually.
A study conducted with nearly 500,000 participants has found that drinking coffee in any form lowers your risk of developing liver disease. This is true for both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee so lovers of both can rejoice!
The study further found that those who drank coffee from ground beans had a further reduction in developing liver illnesses, making it a better way (and tastier!) way to drink the good stuff.
