Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It’s also among the oldest beverages ever to be consumed by humans, dating back nearly 1,000 years. Coffee has grown to become not just a beverage, but an experience. People love the energy boost, but equally the opportunity to sip and socialize with others in casual settings.
Research is now revealing many health benefits related to drinking coffee as well, including a metabolic boost, helping to reduce cancer risk, and even increased longevity. Here’s a snapshot of five benefits of drinking coffee:
Benefit #1: Coffee Boosts Your Energy Levels
Studies have shown that caffeinated beverages can increase alertness and mental acuity, and also decrease physical fatigue. How? After a cup of coffee, caffeine rapidly travels through the bloodstream and reaches the brain.
The effects of caffeine on the brain's neurotransmitters are similar to those of sleeping; they can increase alertness and mental acuity. In addition, coffee can also stimulate the release of other chemicals known as norepinephrine and dopamine.
Pro Tip: Instead of using sugar, try using a low-calorie sweetener such as Stevia. It can also be used as a flavor additive for coffee.
Benefit #2: It can Prevent Major and Long-Term Illness
Staying healthy and avoiding chronic diseases are things we all think about. Studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of coffee can help reduce the risk of various chronic diseases.
Another study revealed that being a regular coffee drinker lowered the risk of stroke by 25 percent in women. Another major finding is that drinking coffee can help prevent certain cancers, such as colon cancer and liver cancer.
Benefit #3: Boosts Your Metabolism
Caffeine activates the nervous system's ability to tell the fat cells to break down. This action is carried out by increasing the levels of the hormone epinephrine. Epinephrine travels through the blood to the fat cells, and it releases them into the body. Caffeine helps to achieve what is known as a Negative Energy Balance.
According to Kauvery Hospital, a Negative Energy Balance indicates that more energy is being expended by the person through activity than energy consumed through food.
On the other hand, releasing fatty acids into the blood does not help people lose weight.
The resting metabolic rate, also known as RMR, is the rate at which you burn calories. It helps keep your body burning calories and helps you lose weight. It's believed that an increase in fat burning helps maintain a healthy metabolism. This effect is less pronounced in obese individuals.
Let’s wrap this up by saying that caffeine increases your resting metabolic rate, so it increases the number of calories you expend at rest. (And who doesn’t want to burn calories while sleeping?!)
Benefit #4: Coffee Improves Brain Health
Drinking coffee regularly can help improve concentration and alertness, a study suggests. It can also stimulate activity in the brain's regions that control motor functions. Along with improving concentration, coffee can also help improve the brain's activity.
Benefit #5: Coffee Can Reduce Your Cancer Risk
Coffee finds its way into our routine, and it is how most people start their day. A survey conducted in March by the National Coffee Association revealed that 64 percent of Americans consume at least one cup of coffee a day.
Drinking three to four cups a day can reduce your risk of developing liver cancer and other alcoholic liver diseases, according to a recent study conducted by Journal BMC Public Health.
How Much Coffee is Safe to Drink Regularly?
The guidelines for daily coffee consumption vary depending on the country. Generally, it's safe to consume up to 400 mg of caffeine a day for most healthy adults. That's roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee.
Conclusion
Many studies have been conducted on the various health benefits of coffee. According to researchers, its consumption can improve a person's energy levels and help prevent chronic diseases, along with many other studied health benefits.
However, it's important to note that coffee should be limited for certain individuals, like pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and those with health conditions.
Although coffee is considered safe for most adults, consuming up to four cups a day has shown many potential benefits. If you are interested, here are a bunch of different coffee blends to check out.
So there you have it. Science is showing us that relaxing with a cup of coffee may just make your life a bit easier. That works for us!
Cambio Roasters® has eight gourmet roasts, along with a Variety Pack, delivered in recyclable K-Cups® to meet every taste pallet. And for those who are sensitive to caffeine, our delicious light roast Decaf is very popular too.