It’s one of the most popular drinks worldwide. It can be served in a variety of ways, ranging from iced with syrup and (hopefully vegan) milk, to strong and limited in quantity. Whether you are an addict like me, just like the smell, or don’t want anything to do with this glorious drink (shame on you), there is no questioning just how addicted our world is to coffee. We seem to run on this dark colored elixir brewed by the gods, and for good reason, too. However, there is a reason to celebrate coffee even more, for as of lately there have been countless studies released that show coffee is more than just delicious, it is potentially also beneficial to the body. Too good to be true? Let’s look at some of the potential benefits and rejoice.
1. Maintains/improves cognitive Health
This is especially good news for students, but there is no doubt that everyone could use a sharper focus and drive from time to time, especially in that one excruciatingly boring class that is mandatory to take for one’s major. As of recently, however, it has been proven that consuming coffee regularly can work to prevent the degeneration of the brain, as shown by a study on elderly subjects that consumed said beverage on a regular basis. Those who did were 60% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia, which as of right now, have no cure. Next time you talk to your grandmother or grandfather on the phone, be sure to remind them to drink some coffee every morning (and to send you a bag in that care package!)
2. Maintains Cardiovascular Health
Too much caffeine can obviously be detrimental to the to the cardiovascular system, seeing as it does raise blood pressure, this raise is temporary and diminishes as the caffeine exits the system. Recent research has actually revealed, however, that regular coffee drinkers actually reduce their risk of stroke as well as heart disease by consuming coffee. The way this works, apparently, is that by the caffeine raising blood pressure slightly, it works to clear out the system and keep it running at an optimum level. That’s science-talk for start brewing some coffee.
3. Weight Loss Aid (you read that right)
energy, you are more likely to be active and move around. From a chemical point of view, the stimulant aspect of caffeine speeds up metabolism, and as if that isn’t awesome enough, it can work to suppress appetite so that you aren’t thinking about that ice cream craving all day.
4. Liver Protector
While it doesn’t sound as exciting as the previous point, coffee has been shown to prevent diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. Some studies have shown as much as an 80% reduced chance of cirrhosis by consuming coffee regularly.
5. A Plethora of Nutrients
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that coffee is rich in nutrients, seeing as it is, after all, a bean (just look up the health benefits of beans and see how amazing these little guys are.) Coffee beans contain a variety of B-family vitamins, as well as potassium and magnesium. All of these are needed for the body to function efficiently, and they can all be found in one cup of coffee.
While this article does not encompass all of the health benefits of coffee, it gives a glance into the subject and shows that coffee isn’t just good at keeping the mind alert. As a coffee addict myself, I rejoice now as I write this and sip a cup myself, thanking the coffee gods for creating such a flawless beverage.
