Every coffee lover knows that the flavourful brew gives you an unbeatable buzz, whether it’s a steaming americano on a cold winter morning or a frothy frappuccino on a sunny day.
While coffee is certainly no ‘health food’ or magic wellness elixir (your spirulina smoothie is probably a healthier habit), studies have shown we can derive health and wellbeing benefits from caffeinated beverages.
7 health benefits of coffee
To celebrate International Coffee Day (October 1), here are seven reasons to keep sipping (in moderation).
1. It’s said to boost mental function
Do feel like you can concentrate better when you’ve had your first coffee of the day? Caffeine is known to improve cognitive function, particularly alertness and vigilance.
A meta study found that the optimal daily intake to boost both mental and physical performance, without causing dehydration or affecting sleep patterns, is 0.3 to four cups of brewed coffee. Of course, it varies though – four cups of coffee may affect some people’s sleep.
2. It ‘improves physical performance’
That jittery feeling you get when your coffee kicks in is due to adrenaline – aka the fight or flight hormone – which prepares your body for exertion.
That’s why caffeine can improve your fitness performance. A meta analysis of 40 research papers found an increase of 12.3% on average.
3. It can make you happier
That post-latte buzz might feel temporary, but regular coffee consumption could make you happier in the long-run. A study from the US found that women who drank two or more cups a day were 20% less likely to become depressed.
4. It’s a source of nutrients
Coffee contains a number of nutrients, including vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B5 (pantothenic acid), which help with energy production.
Plus, a Norwegian study found that coffee was the biggest source of antioxidants in western diets. Antioxidants help to neutralise harmful free radicals.
5. It may even protect your liver
A study of patients who developed cirrhosis of the liver, a condition caused by long-term liver disease, found that people who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had up to 80% less risk of developing the disease.
Caffeine alone wasn’t responsible for the effect, but the same correlation wasn’t found for tea drinkers.
6. Some studies have found it to lower the risk of certain cancers
Coffee may also protect the liver from cancer, with one research paper from Japan showing a 40% lower risk of the disease.
Meanwhile an American study comparing tea and coffee drinkers found that those who consumed four to five cups of coffee a day had a 15% lower risk of developing colon cancer.
7. It may protect against Alzheimer’s Disease in some cases
A number of research papers including a meta study from 2004 have found that caffeine intake is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, a type of dementia, by up to 65%.
Best-selling coffee machines
Check out our list of best-selling coffee machines on Amazon!
- Compact designed machine with six boxes of pods included.
- Easy to use - all you need is the machine, some water and pods.
- Easy to clean - as all the coffee grounds stay in the pods there is no mess, no fuss.
- EASY TO USE, ONE BUTTON OPERATION: Simply pop your chosen drink pod in to the coffee machine, press start and the Tassimo Suny reads the drink’s unique barcode thanks to its Intellibrew technology...
- COFFEE SHOP FAVOURITES: Indulge in your favourite Costa Latte, Cappuccino or tasty Cadbury’s hot chocolate; Choose from over 50 drinks, from well known brands, to enjoy at home with family and...
- SLEEK AND STYLISH COFFEE POD MACHINE: The compact size fits easily on any worktop; Special edition colour.
- The advanced showerhead technology ensures flavour is fully extracted from your coffee grains, dissolving the maximum amount of coffee and giving you great taste every time
- Eliminate the need to buy costly paper filters as this coffee machine has a permanent filter that can be removed and washed, however filter paper can still be used if you prefer
- Make up to ten cups of coffee at once with a 1.25 Litre capacity glass carafe or choose to set your coffee maker to brew only one, two or three cups. Comes with Water level indicator, Pause and Pour...
- Enjoy infinite coffee possibilities with the slimline Infinissima manual coffee machine (37cm H x 15cm W x 28cm D). Available in 3 colours.
- Extra large water tank of 1.2L and adjustable drip tray suitable for all cup sizes
- Easy to Use -all you need is the machine, some water and NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto pods
- One-Touch Technology: One-button controls for easy selection of your favourite coffee drinks
- Your Coffee, Your Way: Single and double shot espresso filters put you in control; compatible with ESE pods
- Barista-Quality Coffee at Home: 19-Bar Italian pump delivers the perfect pressure to extract robust coffee flavours
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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