A major population across the globe consumes coffee on a daily basis. It is almost impossible for them to even start the day without their brew, let alone be productive. According to research by the University of Southern California, it was found that many people drink coffee out of habit and not need. While you accredit the urge to grab that cup of espresso to fatigue, much of what you do every day is out of habit—little do we actually acknowledge that!
Whether we should drink coffee daily is a highly debatable topic—while some may argue it to be a bad habit, others vouch for its health benefits. So what should you do?
Is The Daily Coffee Consumption Good or Bad for Health?
While early studies on the consumption of coffee suggest the probability of health problems, recent developments in the field say otherwise and in fact show evidence of a variety of health benefits from coffee.
According to a leading nutritionist, moderate consumption of coffee is more “healthful than harmful” and can be incorporated into the healthy diet of most people. He suggests that moderate coffee consumption, i.e., 2-5 cups/day, can prevent type 2 diabetes, liver and endometrial cancers, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. It can even reduce the chances of early death. Here are the key benefits of coffee that you must know about:
#1 Increases Energy Levels: Caffeine in coffee stimulates the central nervous system— it is known to fight fatigue and boost energy levels. When caffeine enters the human body, it blocks the receptors of adenosine (a neurotransmitter), increasing the levels of other neurotransmitters, including dopamine, that regulate energy.
Various studies have found that having caffeine before and/or during a sports activity, for instance cycling or golf, increased the person’s time to exhaustion and reduce subject fatigue levels.
#2 Reduces Type 2 Diabetes Risk: Multiple studies have been conducted in this domain that suggests that coffee may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Its daily consumption over a period of time is linked with a 6% lower risk of the condition. Coffee has the ability to preserve meta cells in the pancreas; these produce insulin that regulates blood sugar levels in our body. The drink is also high in antioxidants and can affect insulin sensitivity, metabolism, and inflammation—these elements are concerned with the development of Type 2 diabetes.
#3 Supports Brain Health: While there have been mixed results of studies on this subject, some have been suggestive of its benefits in reducing and preventing the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
According to some studies, people consuming coffee had a lower risk of having Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Its consumption has also decelerated the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Several other studies have demonstrated lower chances of dementia and cognitive decline in people who have moderate coffee consumption.
#4 Promotes Weight Management: Coffee could reduce fat storage and enhance the health of your gut, thus resulting in efficient weight management. A review of 12 studies concluded that high coffee consumption might result in decreased body fat. Also, another study suggested that people who have 2 cups of coffee in a day are 17% more likely to perform all the recommended activity levels as compared with those who have only one. This increase in body activities can in turn help reduce weight, leading to efficient weight management.
#5 Reduces Risk of Depression: The moderate consumption of coffee in a day is linked with low risks of depression. It also has been noted to lower the chances of suicide in people (a study on 200,000+ people suggested).
#6 Supports Liver and Heart Health: It has been noted by several studies that coffee has reduced the chances of liver and heart diseases. Its consumption was linked with lower rates of liver scarring, liver cancer, death from chronic liver diseases, and liver stiffness in people. It was also tied with lower rates of the store and other heart diseases.
Although, it is very important to keep in mind that coffee consumption can impact blood pressure levels. Therefore, if you have unmanaged blood pressure then you might want to monitor your coffee intake.
#7 Could Boost Longevity: Offering a multitude of health benefits, as indicated by various research, coffee can extend the longevity of life. The research was carried out on different sample sizes, age groups, weight status, and different consumption patterns, and suggested a lower risk of death and a lower risk of death from cancer.
#8 Enhances Athletic Performance: The drink is sometimes used as an ergogenic aid, aka. performance enhancers, by athletes, to improve energy levels, and thus, performance.
A study on 216 older adults suggested that coffee consumption was linked with faster gait speed and better physical performance. However, caffeine affects different people differently and may have varied results.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A favorite drink around the globe, it has been a hot topic for researchers who continue to find more about its benefits and risks.
Please Note that it is advised for certain groups to be careful, as the impact of coffee on kids and thus, pregnant women, and people with inconsistent blood pressure levels, is still unknown. Too much of it can also cause anxiety in people suffering from the disorder of anxiety or panic.
Nonetheless, for other groups, drinking coffee in moderation, i.e., 2-4 cups a day has been now & then associated with multiple health benefits and is considered safest for adults.
