Is Coffee Good For You? Should Drinking More Coffee Be Your New Year's Resolution?
In this post, we're going to address the age old question. Is coffee good for you? But, we're putting a new year's resolution spin on it.
Whether you believe it or not, 2021 is here! This time of year brings reflection and goal setting for the new year. While most resolutions aim to improve your health, exercise more, save money, or learn something new - our resolution combines all of these! This year our crew aims to drink more coffee. We’re taking advantage of all the health benefits coffee has to offer. Let’s dive into those health benefits, and then maybe after, dive into a cup of Springline!
For the record, we are not claiming to be doctors or trained medical professionals. We also realize if this were a prescription drug commercial there would be 60 seconds, okay, at least 90 seconds of side effects listed. But we did find these health benefits of drinking coffee pretty compelling and wanted to share. Is coffee good for you? Read on.
You may have started drinking coffee because of its caffeine benefits, but what you may not know is that it also improves brain function. Let’s breakdown the science of coffee in the body. After your first cup, the caffeine is absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, it travels to the brain. Once in the brain, caffeine blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine causing an increase in neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine and dopamine, leading to enhanced firing neurons. Controlled studies have shown that this results in improved memory, mood, vigilance, reaction times, and general mental function.
Did you know caffeine is found in almost every commercial fat burning supplement? Caffeine is one of the few natural substances proven to help in fat burning. One study found that caffeine can boost your metabolism by 3-11%. Moreover, caffeine can help to mobilize fats from fat tissues. Another study found that caffeine can increase fat burning by 10% in those medically considered obese and up to 29% in those considered lean. Like most things, moderation is essential; 400 milligrams, which is the equivalent of 4 cups of coffee, or less, is recommended. Too much caffeine can lead to those unpleasant jitters.
Caffeine stimulates your nervous system, which signals fat cells to break down body fat, but it also increases epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in your blood. Caffeine’s ability to break down body fat by turning fatty acids into fuel makes it your perfect gym buddy. Studies have found caffeine can improve physical performance by 11-12% on average. Therefore it is recommended to have a strong cup of coffee about 30 minutes before you head to the gym.
Many of the nutrients found in coffee beans make their way into your finished brewed coffee. A single coffee cup contains:
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Niacin (vitamin B3)
Since most people enjoy several cups of coffee per day, this allows for your body to pick up all of these nutrients. Remember, it is not recommended to drink more than 400 milligrams of caffeine or 4 cups of coffee.
- May Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people worldwide. The increased blood sugar levels are caused by insulin resistance or a reduced ability to secrete insulin. Coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. One study found that reduction can be as high as 67%. According to an extensive review of 18 studies, each cup of coffee was linked to a 7% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
- May Protect You From Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and a leading cause of dementia worldwide. The condition typically affects people over the age of 65, and there is no known cure. However, there are several things people can do to reduce their risk. The list includes the usual suspects like eating healthy and exercising, but drinking coffee may also be effective. Several studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition, right behind Alzheimer’s. It is caused by the death of dopamine-generating neurons in your brain. Similar to Alzheimer’s, there is no known cure, which makes prevention all the more important. When it comes to Parkinson’s prevention, it appears that caffeine is the main factor in prevention as people who drink decaf don’t have a lower risk.
- May Protect Your Liver
Your liver is one of your most important organs with several functions. Several common diseases affect your liver, including hepatitis and cirrhosis, to name a couple. Many of these conditions can eventually lead to cirrhosis, which is when your liver is mostly replaced by scar tissue. Drinking coffee has at least 4 cups of coffee per day has been linked to an 80% decrease in risk of cirrhosis.
- Can Fight Depression
Depression is a severe mental disorder that can significantly impact your quality of life. Depression is also very common, with about 6.7% of people, which equates to 16.2 million people affected by depression. A Harvard study found that women who drank 4 cups of coffee a day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed. Another study found that people who drank 4 cups of coffee daily were 53% less likely to commit suicide.
- May Lower Risk of Liver Cancer
Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of death and is caused by uncontrolled cell growth in your body. Coffee appears to protect you against liver cancer. Liver cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Studies have found that coffee drinkers have up to a 40% lower risk of liver cancer.
- May Help You Live Longer
Since coffee can be linked to preventing several kinds of diseases and packed with nutrients, it makes sense that coffee could also help you live longer. In two extensive studies, drinking coffee was associated with a 20% reduced risk of death in men and a 26% decreased risk of death in women.
There’s no denying we’re big fans of coffee, but with so many health benefits, what’s not to love? Tackle your new year’s resolution to be healthier while learning a new skill as you perfect your brewing method. Come along with us and drink more coffee in 2021!