I’m sure there are many people out there who, like me, can’t seem to start their day without a cup of coffee.
It turns out, drinking coffee every day causes some interesting things to happen to our bodies.
With 54% of American adults being avid coffee drinkers, it’s good news to hear that drinking coffee every day can have more than a few health benefits. Of course, it does contain caffeine, a stimulant, so it can affect blood pressure, and coffee is recommended to be consumed in moderation; 2-3 cups a day to gain the most benefits. There’s nothing wrong with loving your coffee, but remember that if you consume more than a moderate amount, you risk building up a tolerance to, or even dependence on, caffeine.
So keeping that in mind, raise your favourite mug, filled with your coffee preference, and let’s cheers to the health benefits listed below from drinking coffee every day:
Your metabolism is increased.
This is great news for those of you who enjoy a morning exercise routine along with a cup of joe. Caffeine gives your body a natural boost of energy, increases your metabolism, and helps to jump-start your workout.
And if you are someone who is familiar with the pains associated with working out, then you’ll be happy to know that caffeine can help with that as well. The Journal of Applied Physiology conducted a study which found that trainers who consumed caffeine with carbohydrates, had an impressive 65% more glycogen, compared to athletes who only ingested carbs.
Glycogen is vital for our muscles to function properly. Increasing these levels can help our muscles work better and recover much faster. In fact, caffeine is ideal for athletes who work out every day because it aides in reducing fatigue and inflammation.
It can make you happier.
The National Institute of Health found that people who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per week were approximately 10% less likely to be depressed than those who had never consumed the beverage.
Another study, published by the Harvard Public School of Health, made a groundbreaking discovery that supports a connection to drinking coffee and lowered suicide rate. The study found that adult men (43,599) and women (73,820) who drank 2-4 cups of caffeinated coffee each day had a 50% lower risk of suicide compared to those who consumed decaffeinated coffee, or no coffee at all.
“Coffee is the number one source of antioxidants.”
Well, for Americans anyways. That’s according to research from the University of Scranton, which states coffee is “the number one source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet.” Study leader Joe Vinson, Ph.D., a chemistry professor at the university says, “Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source. Nothing else comes close.”
Vinson and his associates analyzed the antioxidant content of more than 100 different food items, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices, oils and common beverages. “Coffee came out on top, on the combined basis of both antioxidants per serving size and frequency of consumption,” Vinson says.
It reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Last but certainly not least, drinking coffee daily can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A study from The American Chemical Society found that people who drink four or more cups of coffee a day reduce their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by 50%.
What’s more, these conclusions held true, regardless of sex, weight, or height. This study, however, determined that it is actually coffee, not the caffeine itself that protects against diabetes. Decaffeinated coffee was just as effective as mitigating the onset of diabetes.
Now that you have these interesting facts about coffee and your health, be sure to share them with all the java-lovers you know!
By Raven Fon
