Coffee's distinctive smell and palatable
taste are what help an estimated 100 million Americans pry themselves
out of bed each morning. However, while its addictive flavor keeps us
wanting more, you may find comfort in knowing the many hidden health
benefits of consuming a daily cup of Joe. In truth, coffee is actually
pretty healthy - it is packed with antioxidants and beneficial
nutrients. What's more, studies show that coffee drinkers have a lower
risk of developing serious diseases.
1. It is great for the liver
In 2006, a study that included 125,000
people aged 22 and over found those who drank at least one cup of coffee
a day were 20 percent less likely to develop liver cirrhosis - an
autoimmune disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption that can lead
to liver failure and cancer. Studies have also shown that consuming
coffee regularly (four or more cups a day) may help prevent people from
developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
2. It reduces your chances of skin cancer
.if you are a woman. A study conducted by
Bringham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, followed
112,897 men and women over a 20-year period. They discovered that women
who drank more than three cups of coffee a day were less likely to
develop skin cancer than those who didn't.
3. It reduces your chance of type 2 diabetes
According to a study from the American
Chemical Society, drinking coffee may reduce your chances of developing
Type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that people who drink four or more
cups of coffee a day reduce their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes
by 50 percent.
4. Keeps your brain healthy for longerStudies conducted on a group of people aged
65 and older at the University of South Florida and the University of
Miami respectively found that those with higher levels of caffeine in
their blood developed Alzheimer's disease two to four years later than
those with lower levels of caffeine. The study's co-author and
neuroscientist, Dr Chuanhai Cao, reported he firmly believed that
moderate coffee consumption can appreciably reduce your risk of
Alzheimer's or delay its onset.
5. Improves brain function, thus makes one more intelligent
Coffee is renowned for its quick-fix
energy-boosting effects. However, aside from giving you a much-needed
jolt, coffee makes you sharper. According to CNN, coffee allows your
brain to work in a more efficient and smarter way. It improves your
reaction time, vigilance, attention and logical reasoning.
6. Reduces your risk of heart diseases
In a study conducted by Korean researchers,
participants who consumed three to five cups of Joe a day were less
likely to show the first signs of heart disease. However, it is
important to consider other dietary factors too, as Koreans typically
have a different diet to Westerners.
7. Lowers your risk of multiple sclerosis
Recent studies have shown that four cups of
coffee a day may help protect against the development and re-occurrence
of Multiple Sclerosis. It is believed that coffee prevents neural
inflammation, which may lead to the disease.
8. Reduces your risk of colorectal cancer
Consuming coffee can reduce the chances of
developing colorectal cancer by 26 percent. According to one study, the
more coffee you consume the lower the risk.
9. Coffee contains more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables
A study conducted in 2005 found that nothing comes close to providing as
many antioxidants as coffee. While fruits and vegetables are loaded
with antioxidants, the human body absorbs the most from coffee.
10. It can lessen the symptoms of Parkinson's
Studies show that people who consume caffeine are less likely to develop
Parkinson's. It also stated that drinking coffee may help people with
Parkinson's disease control their movement.
11.The scent of coffee can reduce stress
Research conducted at the Seoul National University examined the brains
of rats who were stressed as a result of sleep deprivation. The study
found that those who were exposed to coffee aromas experienced changes
in brain proteins tied to that stress.
12. Enhances your mood
A study by the National Institute of Health found that those who drank
more than four cups of java a day were less likely to be depressed.
Coffee's mood boosting benefits do not occur due to the 'caffeine high',
rather coffee makes you feel good due to its trusty antioxidants.