This article will delineate and discuss a few of the purported health benefits of consuming coffee on a daily basis. These perks include but are not limited to increased energy levels, weight loss, and better overall organ health.
For centuries, coffee has been regarded as a delicacy in various cultures. It’s also one of the most popular and ubiquitous beverages across the world. Today, coffee is one of the most valuable legally traded commodities worldwide. According to one source, an estimated 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed each day across the globe.
1. Boosts Energy Levels
That one of the most obvious benefits of coffee is its energy-boosting capacity comes as no surprise. With approximately 95 mg of caffeine per 8-oz. cup of the beverage, coffee has been linked to better moods and increased subjective energy levels. A potent central nervous stimulant, caffeine blocks the effects of the hormone adenosine, which is a key player in promoting deep sleep. This, in turn, serves to improve focus and energy levels. Research has shown that consuming coffee before and during academic assessments and sports games can substantially improve performance and delay the onset of fatigue.
2. Promotes Weight Loss and Management
In addition to its depth of flavor and energy-boosting abilities, coffee has been shown to suppress appetite and, in effect, promote weight loss. Indeed, one study discovered a strong positive correlation between increased coffee intake and lower total body fat percentage among women. By stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, coffee functions to stave off hunger, imporve satiety levels, and facilitate the use of adipose tissue for energy. In addition, individuals who consume coffee are more likely to exercise and engage in physical activity due to the beverage’s impacts on energy levels.
3. Supports Organ Health
Studies indicate that increased coffee consumption is associated with improved organ health and function. For instance, one study showed that drinking three to five cups of coffee per day reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 15%. In addition, in a review with over 21,000 participants, researchers discovered that increased coffee intake may be conducive to staving off heart failure. Drinking coffee more frequently can also help with optimizing liver health and function. For instance, one study demonstrated that the more coffee an individual drank per day, the lower his/her risk of developing chronic liver disease (CLD). Drinking one cup of coffee per day was associated with a 15% lower risk of CLD, while drinking four cups per day was linked with a 71% lower risk of CLD.
If you don’t already drink coffee, adding a cup or two to your daily intake may prove worthwhile given the health benefits mentioned above.
(Edited by Whitney Edna Ibe)
