Seven research-based health benefits of Coffee

Studies show that coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of several serious diseases.

Here are the top seven health benefits of coffee.

Improves energy level

Coffee can help people feel less tired and increase energy levels because it contains a stimulant called caffeine — the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world.

After drinking coffee, the caffeine gets absorbed into bloodstream and later it travels to brain. In the brain, it blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine. When this happens, the amount of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine increases, leading to enhanced firing of neurons.

Researched studies show that coffee improves various aspects of brain function including memory, mood, vigilance, energy levels, reaction times and general mental function.

Burns fat

Caffeine is found in almost every commercial fat-burning supplement. It’s one of the few natural substances proven to aid fat burning.

Several studies show that caffeine can boost your metabolic rate by 3–11%. Other studies indicate that caffeine can specifically increase fat burning by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in lean people.

However, it’s possible that these effects diminish in long-term coffee drinkers.

Improves physical performance

Coffee stimulates nervous system, signaling fat cells to break down body fat. But it also increases epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in blood.

This is the fight-or-flight hormone, which prepares your body for intense physical exertion. Caffeine breaks down body fat, making free fatty acids available as fuel.

Therefore, it makes sense to have a strong cup of coffee about half an hour before you head to the gym.

Lowers risk of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem, currently affecting millions of people across the globe. It’s characterized by elevated blood sugar levels caused by insulin resistance or a reduced ability to secrete insulin.

For some reason, coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Studies observe that people who drink the most coffee have a 23–50% lower risk of getting this disease. One study showed a reduction as high as 67%.

Protects liver

Liver is an amazing organ that carries out hundreds of important functions. Several common diseases primarily affect the liver, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease and many others.

Many of these conditions can lead to cirrhosis, in which liver is largely replaced by scar tissue.

Interestingly, coffee may protect against cirrhosis — people who drink 4 or more cups per day have up to an 80% lower risk.

Lower risk of certain types of cancer

Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death. It is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in your body. Coffee appears to be protective against two types of cancer including liver and colorectal cancer.

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the world, while colorectal cancer ranks fourth.

Studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer. Similarly, one study in 489,706 people found that those who drank 4–5 cups of coffee per day had a 15% lower risk of colorectal cancer.

Fights depression

Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life.

In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed.

Another study in 208,424 individuals found that those who drank 4 or more cups per day were 53% less likely to die by suicide.

The article has been taken from medical journal Healthline.