Have you ever heard that coffee is bad for your health? While too much caffeine is bad for you (you should drink no more than 3-4 cups of coffee per day), coffee has some surprising health benefits.
It’s important to understand that the type of coffee you drink, the quality of the beans, and the additives you add to your drink can all significantly affect its health benefits. For example, added sweeteners, sugar, syrups, excess milk, and whipped cream may compromise these benefits. However, plain black coffee or coffee with a little milk, such as a flat white or cappuccino, can be very beneficial. This knowledge enables you to make informed choices about your coffee consumption.
To maximize the health benefits of coffee, you must buy the highest quality beans you can afford, make sure they are freshly ground every time you drink them, and know how to store your coffee beans to keep them fresh. Knowing how to brew coffee without compromising its benefits or flavor profile allows you to take control of your health and enjoy your coffee.
But have you ever considered the potential health benefits of drinking coffee? Let’s explore its positive effects on your health.
Improve heart health
Recent research shows that women, in particular, are less likely to die from coronary heart disease if they drink coffee, and if you have a weak heart, drinking 1-2 cups of coffee a day may prevent heart failure (one study tested the scale for 21,000 people).
Enhanced stroke protection
A review of 21 different studies found that people who drank 1-2 cups of coffee a day were 21% less likely to have a stroke than those who drank no coffee or drank more than 2 cups a day.
energy boost
If you get an energy boost after drinking coffee, then you need to run with it—not really run, but use the energy it gives you to complete it. Not everyone is like this. Some neurodivergent people find caffeine helps calm the brain and promote sleep and rest; however, caffeine is scientifically proven to help increase energy levels. In fact, one study of cyclists found that drinking caffeine before riding increased fatigue time by 12%.
Reduce risk of type 2 diabetes
Again, this doesn’t mean you can drink a cup of coffee with added sugar. However, black coffee is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. A review of 30 studies found that each cup of coffee can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 6%. This is because coffee preserves the function of the beta cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin.
Improve brain health
While some studies have produced mixed results, coffee is thought to have some merit and may help protect you against diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and even Parkinson’s. Eleven observational studies of more than 29,000 people found that the more coffee people drank in that group, the lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, while other studies found that drinking coffee could slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. progress.
