I survive off of coffee--most people our age do. However, there is still the rare breed that refuses to give this lifesaver a chance. I mean come on, who would refuse an IV if you are sick? That is basically what you do if you refuse coffee, especially during the upcoming finals week.
I have done some research and come up with 6 reasons why everyone should give the black drink a chance.
1. Coffee has health benefits, people!
Not only does it taste amazing, but it also does some great things for your body. The list of health benefits could go on and on, but here are two. According to a 2012 study done by the New England Journal of Medicine, drinking coffee can make you live longer than the average adult, giving you more time to drink coffee. Also, in a 2012 report from ScienceDaily consuming a cup of coffee a day can help reduce the chances of developing Parkinson's disease.
2. It can make you happier!
A Harvard School of Public Health study proposed that coffee acts as an antidepressant, helping to produce serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenalin. According to a study done by the National Institute of Health, people who drink coffee are 10% less likely to be depressed than people who never touched the drink. I'm reaching for another cup of coffee!
3. Drinking coffee helps the environment.
When you drink coffee, you are supporting the production of coffee. Due to the way that coffee trees are grown under the shade of a tree canopy, coffee tree growth helps prevent deforestation. This growing method also means that less fertilizer and pesticides are used, meaning less run off and pollution in the top soil! Save the environment--drink coffee.
4. Drinking coffee helps people.
When you buy your favorite latte or cold brew you are not only supporting that coffee shop but the coffee world as a whole. Coffee is typically grown in nations that are under developed or are small but growing. When you are supporting the fair trade coffee industry, you are supporting coffee growers who employ nationals who need jobs to support their families. The growers in the fair trade circle commit to treating their employees fairly and giving them fair wages. By looking for coffee shops that sell fair trade coffee, you can support people all over the world who are just trying to make a living for their families.
5. Coffee unites.
I'm sure that most of us have had at least one interaction at a coffee shop: a group meeting, friends hanging out, maybe a date even. There is something about sitting over a steaming cup of coffee that acts as a bonding agent. Maybe its the cozy environment of the coffee shop, the sweet aroma of coffee brewing or possibly it is the lull of noise from all of the other groups sitting and chatting. Even the social aspect of coffee is a reason that you should pick up the habit.
6. Coffee makes you cooler.
So, maybe I completely made this one up, but hey, wouldn't you like to be able to talk about brewing methods and single origins with that cute hip barista? Moral of the story: drink more coffee, learn about coffee, be cooler and more attractive to the barista.
There you have it: six reasons that you should consider giving the coffee craze a chance. If you still aren't convinced, then just remember us coffee drinkers will out live you.
