While too much of any one thing can always be detrimental to us mentally and physically, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. During the winter, it warms and comforts us. With the increasing popularity of iced coffee, it can now be enjoyed in the flaming heat of summer too. Even though most people look for that extra boost from the caffeine coffee contains, there are many more benefits that you should know about.
Take a look at a few reasons why starting your day with coffee could be better for you than you think.
It’s good for your brain. Studies are now showing that drinking at least three cups of coffee per day may reduce your chances of developing age-related cognitive illnesses later in life. Therefore, drinking an extra cup of coffee could ward off Alzheimer’s and dementia as you grow older. The caffeine present in coffee also promotes the production of certain neurotransmitters in the brain by hindering the production of what is called a nucleoside. Avoiding heavy amounts of sweeteners point to greater effectiveness of coffee’s brain boosting powers.
More coffee, less diabetes. Research has shown at least a 10% decrease in the possibility of type 2 diabetes in coffee drinkers. According to one study, people who increased their coffee intake and maintained it for an extended period of time saw their risk of this debilitating illness drop substantially. Those who didn’t drink coffee or drank little coffee were still as likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
More coffee, less skin cancer. Not only does a slightly increased daily coffee intake have a direct effect on the risk of diabetes, but it also reduces the risk of skin cancer in some adults by one-fifth. This was found to be true in older adults who have more than 3 cups of coffee per day. This is all thanks to the high amounts of antioxidants found in coffee beans. Coffee tastes good and fights free radicals. What more could you want?
More coffee, More energy. Before breakfast isn’t the only time to have a cup of coffee. Adding it to your pre-workout routine will help give you more energy but will also boost your metabolism. That means added gains in the gym through the energy to finish that tough workout, as well as an assist in burning more calories and fat.
More coffee, more smiles. When you drink coffee, it makes it more difficult to sit around the house and mope. Increased coffee consumption has been linked to a decrease in the risk of suicide for adults. It often gives us that desire to get moving and interact with others that could fight off depression and a general case of the “blahs.”