The beloved caffeine boost that’s become a ritualistic part of nearly everyone’s morning actually has some more benefits than a quick energy source.
Coffee has a variety of health benefits other than fighting off fatigue, according to healthline.com, a medical media source that is reviewed and written by medical professionals. Some notable benefits are linked to supporting heart health, lowering the risk of depression, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, and even increasing general longevity. These claims are supported by research published by PubMed.gov, an academic library supplied by the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Biotechnology Information, and National Library of Medicine. All submissions on the PubMed library are from accredited universities, organizations, and individuals that have undergone a full scientific process and review.
Supporting Heart Health:
People who drink about 4 cups of coffee daily can see a 15% reduced risk of heart disease and even a 21% lower risk of a stroke. In a study involving over 21,000 participants, increased coffee intake was linked to a significantly decreased risk of heart failure. It should be noted, however, that caffeinated beverages could affect blood pressure, so sensitive groups should be cautious about adding extra cups of coffee to their day.
Links to Lowered Depression:
One study has found that each cup of coffee consumed a day was associated with an 8% drop in the risk of depression. This percentage was seen to rise significantly when the amount of coffee was bumped up to 4 cups a day. Furthermore, the consumption of coffee was linked to a lower risk of death via suicide.
Lowered Risk of Type 2 Diabetes:
A study found that each cup of coffee consumed per day resulted in a 6% drop in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is believed to be due to coffee’s ability to preserve the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants and may affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and metabolism — all of which are involved in the development of type 2 diabetes, according to Healthline.com.
Increased Longevity:
At least 40 studies have shown that regardless of other factors, 2 to 4 cups of coffee a day was linked to a lower risk of death. This is supported by another study that visited the topic after 12 to 18 years of follow-up. Drinking a cup of coffee daily is also associated with a lower risk of death from cancer.
Despite these benefits, it is important to remember that caffeine in large doses can have negative effects, so if you’re thinking of upping your coffee intake, be sure to be mindful of your body’s limits and practice moderation.
*All information sourced from public records provided by the NIH, NLM, and NCBI*
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