Coffee is the second most popular drink in the world, after water, thanks to its unparrallelled taste and its enticing aroma, which boosts our morale. Additionally, drinking coffee (in moderation) has numerous health benefits for the body, thanks to its rich nutritional content. Many of us regular coffee drinkers are not aware of the benefits it brings to our bodies. For example, it helps with fighting depression and can slow down the progress of degenerative illnesses. However, excessive consumption of coffee is very bad for your health, and as with all foodstuffs, it is important not to drink it to excess. We are going to reveal 7 health benefits of coffee.
1) Coffee is rich in antioxidants
Coffee is known for its high levels of antioxidants -moreso even than fruit and vegetables. It contains powerful molecules that inibit the oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which are responsible for chronic illnesses and premature ageing. Firstly, among the antioxidants in coffee, we find the famous polyphenols. The polyphenols found in coffee are primarily chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and quinic acid. These have the advantages of being very well assimilated by the body and have a very powerful antioxidant effect.
Coffee grains also contain several other minerals and compounds: fibres, lipids, amino acids, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium and traces of iron, zinc and copper. In terms of vitamins it contains Vitamin B3 qnd Vitamins B2, B5 and B6.
2) Coffee increases your energy
It’s probably one of its best known virtues, as coffee allows us to work or study for longer, without giving in to fatigue. Coffee consumption can prevent drowsiness and falling asleep.
3) It reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
It is estimated that more than 300 million people worldwide suffer with type 2 diabetes. This chronic illness, characterised by high blood sugar levels, could possibly be prevented through coffee consumption, because it is linked to low blood sugar and reduced insulin (the principle factors contributing to risk for diabetes). In addition, according to a study carried out by the American Chemical Society, regular consumption of ordinary coffee or decaf -up to 4 cups a day -reduces the risk of this pathology by between 23% and 50%. A recent study showed that just one portion of coffee, containing 100mg of caffeine, could affect blood sugar control in both healthy and overweight men.
4) Coffee protects the liver
Coffee protects against cancer of the colon as well as against cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. “Coffee has health benefits for the liver. The most beneficial effects relate to subjects who have damaged their livers with alcohol. Coffee consumption can help prevent against cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. Alcoholics often drink a lot of coffee, which is for the best”, says Professor Jean Costentin, a specialist in neuro-pharmacology.
5) Coffee increases your sense of well-being
A study conducted by the National Health Institute in the United States showed that people who consume moderate amounts of coffee reduce their risk of depression and negative emotions by 10%.
6) Coffee helps maintain brain health
The antioxidants contained in coffee and its essential nutrients reduce the risk of developing degenerative illnesses like Alzheimers or dementia. Additionally, coffee increases visual perception and has a beneficial effect on headaches.
A study by researchers in the University of South Florida and the University of Miami showed that people of 65 years of age with the highest levels of caffeine in their blood delayed the development of Alzheimers by between two and four years more than those who did not drink coffee at all.
7) Coffee grinds have beauty benefits
Coffee grinds are a great tool for fighting against cellulite and the accumulation of dead skin cells. You need to massage them into problem areas in order to see results. Additionally, applying coffee directly to the skin promotes blood circulation and reduces the appearances of wrinkles and blemishes.
And don’t forget the secondary effects of coffee:
Coffee affects sleep because of its high caffeine content. In the case of over-consumption, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, especially in the case of people who smoke, who are overweight, who suffer from high cholesterol or high blood pressure, or have other risk factors. It is important to be aware of the risks, as coffee can cause problems for people with arrythmia or other heart problems.
Sources: allodocteurs, amelioretasante, ncbi, consoglobe