7 Health Benefits of Coffee

1. Rich in Antioxidants. Studies have shown that coffee is the major dietary source of antioxidants. In fact, it is found to have more antioxidants than green tea and cocoa which are two popular beverages that are abundant in antioxidants. Scientists have found that there are approximately 1,000 antioxidants in unprocessed coffee beans and they produce hundreds more when roasted.  Antioxidants offer many benefits to our body such as fighting inflammation, free radicals, and stress. 
2. Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes. Study shows that heavy coffee drinkers, people who drinks four or more cups of coffee a day, have 50 percent lower risk of developing diabetes than people who consume less coffee. This is because coffee helps the body use insulin, protects insulin producing cells, enables effective regulation of blood sugar, prevent tissue damage, and prevents inflammation of liver which is a known risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes.
3. Safeguard the Liver. Coffee has beneficial effects on the liver. It lowers the risk of liver diseases such as cirrhosis which is a common infection that cause liver damage due to excessive alcohol drinking or intake of toxins in the body, hepatitis C in which the liver becomes inflamed due to harmful liver enzymes, and liver cancer which is usually caused by having a fatty liver.
4. Prevents Cognitive Decline. Drinking 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day was found to decrease the risk of developing cognitive decline diseases particularly Alzheimer’s and Dementia in elderly adults. The caffeine in coffee prevents the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque which is associated to the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Good for the Heart. Moderate coffee drinkers or people who drink 2 to 4 cups of coffee a day have 20 percent lower risk of heart diseases compared to non-coffee drinkers, light drinkers, or heavy drinkers.
6. Energy Booster. The caffeine in coffee stimulates the nervous system and signals the fat cells to break down stored body fats making them available as body fuel. This increases the adrenaline levels in the body which is the fight-or-flight hormone that prepares the body for physical exertion.
7. Helps Prevent Depression. Coffee has a positive effect on mood as it contains dopamine which is known as the happy hormone. Dopamine are neurotransmitters that is responsible for our mental and emotional responses. Studies have shown that people who drink 4 or more cups of coffee a day have 20% lower risk of becoming depressed than people who drink smaller amount of coffee or non-drinkers.

Knowing these amazing benefits of coffee is exciting and makes you enjoy the beverage more. However, bear in mind that each of us may have different reaction to coffee. Some people may experience irritability, nervousness, and anxiety in drinking high doses of coffee while others may feel no adverse effect. Observe how your body reacts and drink accordingly.