There's no better way to start your day than with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Still, you probably don't realize just how much of a positive impact your favorite morning drink can have on your health. Here are 8 of the best incentives to keep on enjoying your daily cup of Joe.
1. Better Energy Levels
Increased energy is probably the most well-known benefit associated with drinking coffee, but you may not be aware of just how far that boost in energy can take you. The caffeine in coffee can do more than keep you awake through your morning meeting—it might just provide you with the burst of power you need to run a marathon! Coffee not only increases your energy but also decreases feelings of discomfort and exhaustion, which is why many athletes swear by it as a performance enhancer. The next time you need motivation to workout, see if drinking a cup of coffee perks you up.
2. Improved Heart Health
Heart disease is worryingly prevalent today, so it should come as a relief to know that coffee can help safeguard against cardiovascular problems. Research shows that coffee may increase the blood vessels' elasticity. This means that people who enjoy a moderate amount of coffee each day are less likely than non-coffee drinkers to suffer from high blood pressure.
3. Improved Liver Health
Another body part that coffee helps safeguard is the liver. Studies have found a correlation between coffee consumption, healthy liver enzyme levels, and decreased liver stiffness. That means that coffee may make you less likely to experience liver disease or scarring.
4. Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Millions of people are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, but there is hope—In addition to eating healthy and exercising, drinking coffee can help keep the condition at bay. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which have been found to help reduce blood sugar and inflammation in the body. This leads to a significantly lowered risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.
5. Reduced Risk of Cancer
In addition to defending against the health problems listed above, coffee may also protect against various types of cancer. There is plenty of evidence indicating that drinking coffee can lower one's risk of colorectal cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, kidney cancer, and throat cancer.
Coffee may also help people who already have cancer survive and heal. A study performed on patients with colorectal cancer showed that those who drank coffee every day—even if it was decaffeinated—had a higher likelihood of survival.
6. Weight Loss
If you're looking to shed a few unwanted pounds, let coffee aid you on your weight loss journey. In addition to giving you the energy to tough out a rigorous exercise routine, the magnesium and potassium in coffee help regulate your blood sugar levels, decreasing your urge to indulge in unhealthy snacks.
7. Increased Brain Power
Whether you're studying for a big exam, a businessperson preparing for an important meeting, or simply someone who wants to feel a little smarter, coffee can provide your brain with the stimulus it needs. The sense of alertness the caffeine in coffee provides makes you more aware of your surroundings, increasing your memory and overall cognitive abilities. This benefit comes in handy not only for doing mental math or completing a crossword puzzle,
but also for protecting your brain from Alzheimers and dementia, both of which are less likely to occur in coffee drinkers.
8. A Happier Outlook
Drinking coffee helps keep your body in tip-top shape, and a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Take care to drink responsibly and not overindulge. You'll likely find that regular coffee consumption works wonders for your mental health, giving you the energy and positivity that you need to tackle any challenge life throws your way!
