Discover The Health Benefits Of Coffee

Coffee is the most popular beverage in the world. Since centuries, coffee has been around. We all start our days with a cup, or two. Let’s look at the many benefits this bean has to offer.

Nutrients in Coffee:

• Antioxidants, such as polyphenols that fight free radicals
• Coffee contains bioactive compounds that promote good health
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Pantothenic Acid (vitamin B5)
• Manganese, potassium
• Magnesium (vitamin B3) and Niacin

How much sugar should I consume per day? What can I do to make this even healthier?

• According to research and dietary guidelines, the best way to achieve health benefits is to limit caffeine intake to no more than 3-8 oz of coffee per day.
• You can get the same health benefits from filtered coffee as you would from unfiltered coffee.
• Add: turmeric, maca or cacao in your coffee to boost the antioxidants. The health benefits of these spices are well-documented and they can be used to spice up your coffee. Add these spices to oatmeal or yogurt.
• To reap the benefits of coffee, it is best to drink it black or with very little sugar and creamer.
• The majority of studies use caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee. However, research on type 2 diabetes as well as longevity showed that both types were beneficial.

Many studies have shown that coffee has an impressive resume.

• Drinking 3 cups of decaf coffee per day reduced the risk of dying by 13%.
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer’s (IARC) study of over 500,000 people found that coffee consumption, decaf or caffeinated, is associated with a lower risk for death due to various causes.
• The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease published a study that suggests caffeine may protect against Parkinson’s and cognitive impairment by drinking 1-2 cups of coffee per day.
• According to a comprehensive review of studies, coffee drinkers have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Every cup of coffee consumed each day was associated with a 6-7% decrease in type 2 diabetics.
• Meta-analysis (a review on several studies) revealed that both decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee consumption was associated with reduced liver cancer risk. A study of 489,706 participants found that people who drank 4-5 cups per day were 15% less likely to develop colorectal carcinoma.
• Researchers found that among people who do not have heart disease, drinking up to 3 cups of coffee a day is associated with a reduced risk of strokes and deaths from cardiovascular diseases and any cause.
• According to a study conducted by Harvard MedicalSchool , the properties of coffee can reduce depression risk by almost one-third. The phytochemicals found in regular and decaf can also help to promote good gut bacteria. This has a direct connection with brain health.
• According to Sports Medicine, drinking coffee 30-60 minutes prior to a workout can help burn fat, improve endurance, strength and circulation. It may also reduce pain after a workout. Drink water before and after your workouts in order to avoid dehydration.

Remember: Coffee should not be the only or primary source of antioxidants and fluid. To get the most out of other foods, like fruits and veggies, it is important to stay hydrated. Watch what you add to your coffee. Too much sugar and high-fat creamers can cause health problems and reduce the benefits of your “cup joe”.