Coffee is among the popular beverage. Although it is commonly associated with a given social class, it has numerous benefits. Many people begin their day with a cup of coffee, but they are generally unaware of the potential benefits. While taking a cup of coffee at Glasshouse Mountains Coffee, remember that coffee is more than a drink.
Although high consumption of coffee has some mild side effects, such as increased heart rate, coffee is good for general health. Regular consumption in moderate quantities will unmask the benefits. Here are five top benefits of coffee that should be glued in your mind.
1. It Contains Beneficial Nutrients
For many people, caffeine pops up first in their minds when coffee is mentioned. Coffee contains other nutrients such as antioxidants. Some of the benefits of antioxidants are:
- Reduce the risk of various diseases
- Protect the heart and eyes
- Reduce the risk of developing some cancers such as colorectal cancer
- Maintain bone health
- Prevent inflammation
Besides antioxidants, coffee contains vitamins such as Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B5. Additionally, minerals such as manganese and potassium are found in coffee. Hence, besides enjoying the taste, the body is gaining a variety of essential nutrients.
2. Coffee Protects Cognition
Coffee has short-term and long-term memory implications. It boosts short-term memory by stimulating the cerebral cortex, thus increasing concentration. No wonder many students use coffee as exam time approaches.
Additionally, coffee protects one from dementia. Cognitive loss witnessed in certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease cause dementia. Based on epidemiological studies, an appreciable percentage of people above the age of 65 years develop dementia. Various studies have been done to confirm the beneficial effects of coffee on the brain. By preventing mechanisms of neural degeneration, coffee protects against cognitive loss.
3. It Reduces Chances of Developing Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is among the commonest lifestyle disease. It is a complex condition that negatively affects life besides having significant mortality and morbidity. The condition has various classes. However, type 2 diabetes mellitus is the one that can be easily prevented.
Many studies have been conducted showing the relation between coffee and the risk of developing diabetes. The risk reduces moderately when a person takes a cup of coffee daily. Coffee acts by various mechanisms in the body to regulate blood sugar:
- Protects the beta cells of the endocrine pancreas, ensuring efficient insulin release
- It prevents tissue damage due to its antioxidant effect
- It prevents inflammation, which is a key risk factor for diabetes
- Caffeic acid that is found in coffee prevents the formation of amyloid fibril proteins that are found in people having diabetes
Besides protecting one from developing diabetes, coffee can improve blood sugar regulation in diabetic people. However, this should be discussed with a medical practitioner.
4. It Protects the Liver
Various diseases and toxins cause liver disease. The diseases may progress and heal haphazardly to form a scar in a condition known as liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is the end result of toxins such as alcohol.
If the liver gets damaged, many physiological processes in the body may fail.
Consciously protecting the liver is of great value. Besides refraining from excessive alcohol consumption, coffee can be used to prevent oxidative damage. Such protection is offered by antioxidants which are found in coffee. Antioxidants help in preventing inflammation and the destruction of the liver. Additionally, coffee normalizes the enzymes of the liver. An increase in amounts of liver enzymes indicates a disease. Hence, normal levels are preferred.
5. It improves mood
Coffee is linked to happiness and other positive emotions. It produces calmness and thus, aids in relieving agitation. Additionally, coffee improves depression. It is speculated that coffee enhances the production of various neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin are released, thus improving mood. Hence, coffee is good for people with mental health disorders.
Coffee is prepared to have various flavors and constituents. In case you are concerned about the caffeine content in coffee, there is a solution. Decaffeinated coffee exists, and it can serve those who do not want caffeine.
The benefits of coffee make it a beverage of choice. It is fairly priced and easily accessible. Moderate consumption is good for general health. Additionally, it protects the body against various diseases.